PUNE, Jan 17: An estimated over five lakh children under the age of five were today administered oral polio drops in Pune district in the second phase of nation-wide pulse polio campaign for total eradication of the disease.The children received the oral doses at over 3030 centres set up by the State administration across the district. These centres were set up at all the primary schools, anganwadis, primary health centres in the district. Besides mobile vans were also pressed into service by social organisations to cover the interior areas under the programme. The doses were administered between 8 am and 5 pm.Social groups such as Rotary Clubs and even banks participated in the programme.A total 2,39,117 children were administered the polio vaccine through 3091 booths set by the Pune Municipal Corporation. The polio drops were also administered at ST stands, railway station, airport and construction sites to cover the maximum number of children under the drive. A staff of 3,500 PMC workers was deployed on the task.In Pimpri-Chinchwad, 1,01166 children were administered the oral polio vaccine through 244 booths and 10 mobile vans by the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Besides, 59 Rotarians in joint collaboration immunised a total number of 21,840 children in the pulse polio drive. The task was achieved with help of 58 booths and 4 mobile vans used for the campaign.A total 260 children were vaccinated against polio at a camp organised by the State Bank of India at its Pulgate branch. Local residents mainly from the Fatima Nagar, Bhairoba Nala and its nearby slums benefitted from the camp.At a special camp organised by Sagar Sports Club in Kasarwadi, over 200 children were immunised against polio.Rotary Club of Poona Riverside along with Rotaract, Interact and Innerwheel clubs of Poona Riverside administered oral polio drops to over 7430 children in Koregaon Park and Yerwada localities.The drive was carried out along with PMC and Sassoon hospital at the designated centres.In Pune Cantonment Board, 9,997 children were vaccinated. A total 26 booths and 5 mobile vans were put into service for the drive carried out in army as well as the civilian area.
