Rodrigues calls for participation of people in Polio Programme

Chandigarh, May 20 (UNI) Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Union Territory Administrator General (Retd.) S F Rodrigues today called upon people to administer polio drops to every child upto the age of 5 years tomorrow at polio booths being set up in rural and urban areas.

He said that all NGOs and government functionaries must join hands in this programme to educate people, especially the poor sections of society.

Emphasizing the need for involvement of religious and social organizations, village volunteers and youth in this drive, General Rodrigues said ''it is the responsibility of all of us to protect our children and ensure their growth''.

He said that even if a single child is left without taking polio drops, it could pose a problem to the whole family and the society at large.

He asked the government functionaries involved in this programme to monitor its progress periodically and take all steps for its success.

Appreciating the scope and commitment of the programme, General Rodrigues said that no polio case has been detected in the Union Territory since October 2002 and expressed hope that with acting participation of people and sincere efforts of health workers and volunteers, ''we will be able to vaccinate every child and win the race against polio.'' Dr Inderjit Kaur Walia, Director Health Services, Union territory, said that as many as 461 booths would be set up for Pulse Polio Immunization Programme tomorrow in rural and urban areas of Chandigarh.

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