Bengaluru: Remember the yearly Pulse Polio immunisation drive carried out across the state in the month of January. But strangely this year for the first time in last one decade, this drive has not been carried out in the state till now and there is no confirmation about when this drive will be conducted this year.

Every year, Pulse Polio drive is carried out between January 18 to February 22 to root out polio from Indian soil. Following the huge support for this drive from various stake holders including parents, NGOs and health professionals polio is totally eradicated in the state. But strangely this year every one is silent
about this drive.

In several states including Kerala, first round of Pulse Polio drive was carried out on January 29 and second round is scheduled on April 2. But Karnataka government yet to notify the dates.

According to the sources in the state health department, this delay can be attributed to measles and rubella drive launched by the state government. “It is true that many parents are approaching the department seeking pulse polio date. But presently polio drops are administered in all the anganavadi centers, Primary Health Centers (PHCs),” he said.

But many feel that it the vulnerable groups which will face the risk due to the delay in the Pulse Polio drive. “Generally migrant families don’t opt for immunisation as they are not aware of the importance.

Under Pulse Polio drive, each and every corner of the village, cities is reached through health activists and volunteers who administer polio drops to all kids below five years of age. So we need to launch this drive at the earliest,” explained another officer.