Expert panel soon to setup various immunisation programmes in Kerala
MALAPPURAM: The government is set to appoint an expert panel for the effective implementation of various immunisation programmes throughout the state, said Minister for Health and Family Welfare K.K. Shylaja during a high -level meeting here on Thursday.
The meet reviewed the ongoing diphtheria immunisation drive in the district. “The diphtheria cases among adults have raised concerns. An extensive immunisation awareness campaign will be launched in the district by the end of July,” she said.
The minister said that shortage of staff in the department of health will be resolved within two years. “The government will ensure appointments in accordance with the staff patterns in all hospitals in the state. The lack of sufficient junior public health nurses will also be taken seriously,” she said.
The government’s move to ensure three years of compulsory service of medical PG holders would help resolve the shortage of doctors in the state-run hospitals, she added.
The Director of Health Services (DHS) Dr. R. Ramesh has directed the district authorities to ensure the cooperation of Indian Medical Association and Indian Academy of Paediatrics for the vaccination awareness campaigns throughout the district. The campaigns in schools also will be completed before July 25.
Meanwhile, a report released by the department of health on Thursday states that an immunisation drive launched in 2015 has made improvements in the rate of vaccination in Malappuram.
Thangal too bats for vaccination
The state president of Muslim League, Panakkad Hyderali Shihab Thangal has asked the public to cooperate and support the government’s efforts to achieve total immunisation in Malappuram.
“The health department should also take initiatives to ward off the apprehensions of the public about the vaccination. We will launch a vaccination awareness campaign through our organisational channels,” Thangal said.
Thangal made the statement after a meeting with official from the health departments and leaders of Samastha Kerala Jamiyathul Ulema in Malappuram on Thursday.
Samastha general secretary K. Alikutty Musliyar and Dr. Monhansas Nair, head of the department of pediatrics, Govt. Medical College, Manjeri were also present at the meeting.
