Make health card must for school admission: Indian Academy of Paediatrics

Kochi: In view of the resurgence of diphtheria, the deadly disease caused due to lack of preventive vaccination, the Indian Academy of Paediatrics, Kerala Chapter, has submitted a proposal to the state government for making health cards a criterion for school admission. The cards, with details of immunisation vaccination of the children, should be submitted along with other documents during school admission.

“We’ve held discussions with the health minister, education minister and department secretaries in this regard. The state government has taken a positive approach and we are hopeful of an order on this,” said Dr. S. Sachidananda Kamath, national president of IAP.

According to paediatric experts, diseases like diphtheria and measles have resurfaced in the state due to lapses in immunisation vaccination programme.

“The immunisation cards will help to identify the vaccination status of children. If they are vaccinated partially or not at all, they can be given doses as all immunisation vaccines can be administered before the age of seven. Five is an ideal age to rectify the lapses in immunisation,” added Dr. Kamath.

Meanwhile, the government has to tackle certain issues before issuing a GO on immunisation cards.

“If health card is made mandatory for school admission, it might violate the Right to Education. Hence, the card can be made only an option. However, such a monitoring system is crucial as the health indices of the state have been deteriorating with the resurgence of many diseases,” said Dr. T.M. Ananda Kesavan, president of IAP, Kerala Chapter.

Those who oppose the concept of immunisation vaccination on religious and other backgrounds can submit it in writing while admitting their children in schools, observe health experts.