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Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (MD)

Mangaluru, Oct 7: 'Mission Indradhanush-2015' an immunisation programme for the pregnant women and newborn babies was inaugurated on Wednesday October 7, at Lady Goschen Hospital, Mangaluru.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel inaugurating the programme, gave Polio drops and BCG vaccine to the newborns.

Addressing the gathering, Nalin Kumar Kateel said, "World Health Organisation (WHO) has already declared India as polio free, but there are new borns below the age of one who have not been vaccinated and only 65% of the children are receiving it. For pregnant women Tetanus vaccines are provided by visiting their houses. Everyone must make use of this immunisation programme. Diseases like Dengue, Malaria are on the rise in Mangaluru and these need to be controlled. District health and medical officers must render their service with the attitude of sacrifice."

MLC Ivan D'Souza said that inaugurating the good programme was not enough but the awareness need also be created.

District Health Officer Ramakrishna said that the immunisation programme will be held for the next four months for seven days starting from the date 7 in October,November, December and January.

DMO Dr Rajeshwari Devi, DC A B Ibrahim, ZP CEO Srividya, Gokul Das Nayak and others were also present on this occasion.