Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 6/10

PRESS RELEASE

Meghalaya Chief Secretary, Mr. W M S Pariat today administered Polio drops to children in Ganesh Das Hospital, Shillong to mark the inauguration of the Pulse Polio Immunization programme in the State. The inaugural function was also attended by the Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, Mr. D P Wahlang besides other senior doctors.

In his speech as the chief guest, Mr. Pariat said that the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme is one of the biggest campaign in the entire country, adding that in Meghalaya the case of polio has not been detected for the last 12 years. He further said that the State Government has accorded top priority to eradicate this disease and the challenge ahead is to remain polio free. He further stated that the Shillong along with coal and cement belts of Jaintia Hills district and areas bordering Assam and Bangladesh are particularly vulnerable to this disease due to migratory population from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar which are the worst affected States in the country which contributes to about 97 p.c. of the country’s Polio cases.

Mr Pariat appeals to all parents not to hesitate or have any apprehensions in getting their children immunized. He also urge upon all sections of the society to extend their cooperation with the Government in its efforts to eradicate the disease.

Others who spoke on the occasion were the Commissioner & Secretary, Health & Family Welfare Department, Mr. D P Wahlang, Dr. A S Kynjing, DHS (MI & MCH) and Dr. N Roy, WHO, Consultant.