Feb 18, 2017: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J P Nadda launched expansion of Rotavirus Vaccine under Universal Immunization Programme in Agartala on Saturday. In a programme he along with State Health Minister Badal Chaudhury and other dignitaries administered Rotavirus Vaccine to eight new born babies to mark the beginning of the programme in the State. He also released IEC materials on Rotavirus Vaccine programme.
Rotavirus Vaccine is a life saving vaccine for children and the vaccine will prevent Rotavirus diarrhoea in children which accounts for approximately 40 per cent of hospitalizations from diarrhoea in India. Rotavirus diarrhoea is responsible for nearly 78,000 deaths,
In March 2016, the Rotavirus vaccine was first introduced in four states namely Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Till date, about 38 lakh children have been vaccinated with Rotavirus vaccine in these four states. Now, the vaccine has been expanded to five more states – Tripura, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu.
Speaking on the occasion, JP Nadda said PM Modi accorded highest priority to the development of the eastern region and accordingly Ministry of Health is committed to improve health sector of this region. Highlighting Government’s health policy, he said allocation for health sector was increased in recent budget. He also said, Government emphasizes health issues of women during pregnancy period and post-delivery period. He emphasized on breast feeding and immunization programme to ensure healthy baby for healthy nation.
Appreciating Union Government’s initiative to expand scope of Rotavirus Vaccine to Tripura, State Health Minister Badal Chudhury highlighted achievement of the State in reducing Infant Mortality Rate compared to national average. He also detailed about success in in implementing immunization programme, de-worming programme etc. Drawing attention to State related issues, Chaudhury urged Nadda to introduce M. Pharma courses at RIPSAT in Agartala. He also said, in the backdrop of high prevalence Cancer, Chudhury urged Nadda to take initiative to improve infrastructure of Agartala Regional Cancer Center. On medical education, Chaudhury mentioned about State’s long standing demand to set up a PG entrance examination center at Agartala.
Referring to State related issues, J P Nadda assured Chaudhury about all possible help in improving health infrastructure in the State. Nadda requested Chaudhury to meet him in Delhi for a detailed discussion. He hailed State Health Department’s achievement in immunization programme.
Among others, Vandana Gurnani, Joint Secretary (RCH, IEC) MoHFW, Sanjeeva Kumar, Additional Secretary (Health), MoHFW, Dr. Rakesh Sarwal, Principal Secretary (Health & Family Welfare) of Tripura Govt, Dr.Shailesh K. Yadav, Mission Director (NHM), Tripura were also present.
Later J P Nadda visited AGMC and Regional Cancer Center Agartala. He inaugurated e-hospital facility at Agratala RCC. He also interacted with medical officers, staffs and health workers there.
