Shift from Sunday may hamper drive,say experts

Earlier, in most cases,the pulse polio drive started on Sunday to ensure maximum coverage. The first day of the campaign is known as the Booth Day,as people take their children to a booth for administering the drops. Since Sunday is a holiday,it is convenient for everyone. 

Experts believe that the very purpose of conducting the drive on Sundays will be defeated by launching it on a Thursday as there cannot be a Booth Day on a working day. 

This also means that a greater dependence on volunteers to visit the houses and administer the drops on subsequent days.

According to Health department sources,the decision to reschedule the dates was taken when chief medical officers pointed out that they had to make preparations for the bi-monthly health camps,which are held in community centres on the 1st and 2nd and then on 15th and 16 of every month.

Chief Minister Mayawati is keen that these camps should be held regularly and officials should ensure the presence of doctors.

“Since the health officials are required in both the activities,we had to take a decision. People come from distant places for the bi-monthly health camps. So,it was preferable that we change the pulse polio dates,” said an official. The Centre has also accepted the state’s suggestion.

“There is no big deal about rescheduling the dates of the pulse polio drive. It has been done in the past as well,” said Pradeep Shukla,Principal Secretary,Medical and Health.

Moreover,there is no government interference in deciding the dates for the drives. It is decided between the office of Director General of Medical and Health of Uttar Pradesh government and Director General of Medical and Health of Central government,said Shukla.

Despite repeated attempts,state Director General of Medical and Health could not be reached.

“Ultimately,the state has to implement the drive. If they feel that they can do it better on some other date, then we are fine with it,” said a Central government official.

For the voluntary health organisations engaged in the polio eradication programme like Rotary International,the change of date means wastage of their publicity material.

In Delhi and Bihar,the pulse polio drive is being held on September 13.