Unlocking Health: Exciting Launch of Expanded Immunisation Service Under UIP for a Safer Tomorrow!
The State Health Department has announced the expansion of immunization services under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) at all 500 functional Health and Welfare Centres (HWCs). Health Minister M. Subramanian inaugurated the program at a HWC in T. Nagar, emphasizing the government’s commitment to achieve 100% routine immunization coverage for vaccine-preventable diseases across the state. To facilitate this, all UIP vaccines will be available at HWCs every Wednesday, mirroring an existing arrangement at the state’s 2,286 Primary Health Centres.
In an additional boost to the initiative, the government is set to commission 208 more HWCs where vaccinations will also be administered. The UIP provides a total of 11 vaccines to children and pregnant women, safeguarding against 12 preventable diseases. Notably, vaccination against Japanese encephalitis is offered in 15 endemic districts, further enhancing public health efforts.
Minister Subramanian highlighted the state’s impressive vaccination coverage, which consistently exceeds 99% annually. Approximately 9.5 lakh pregnant women and 8.76 lakh children and infants receive vaccinations under this program each year. In a concerted effort to broaden access, immunization sessions will now be held daily at all Primary Health Centres, pediatric units in government medical colleges, and various hospitals across the district.
Every Wednesday, outreach sessions will further extend these services to villages and towns, ensuring that remote populations are not overlooked. The cold chain for the vaccines is rigorously maintained, with transport facilitated through refrigerated vans from the Union government’s supply to regional vaccine stores, ultimately reaching district facilities.
At the launch event, senior health officials were in attendance, including the Health Secretary, the Director of Public Health, and the Director of the National Health Mission, alongside representatives from the Greater Chennai Corporation. Their presence underscores the collaborative effort required to implement and sustain this vital health initiative.
As the state gears up for this enhanced immunization drive, it reflects a proactive approach to public health and disease prevention. By providing accessible vaccination services, the initiative aims not only to protect individual health but to contribute to community immunity, safeguarding future generations from preventable diseases.
Published – May 15, 2025 12:12 am IST
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/expanded-immunisation-service-under-uip-launched/article69575608.ece
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Publish Date: 2025-05-15 00:12:00
