India to Spend Rs.10 bn on Polio Eradication Strategies

India Thursday approved Rs.10.39 billion for implementing polio eradication strategies during 2006-07 besides Rs.200 million for corrective surgery and rehabilitation of polio victims.

"The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved funds of Rs.10.39 billion for implementing polio eradication strategies in the year 2006-07," Information and Broadcasting Minister P.R. Dasmunsi told the media after the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

The strategies envisage holding national immunisation days throughout the country and sub-national immunisation days in high-risk states and districts.

The immunisation programme is monitored by the Indian Expert Advisory Group (IEAG). India has made considerable progress in checking the spread of polio with around 30 cases being reported in 2005-06.

"The CCEA has also given approval for corrective surgery and rehabilitation of the polio victims and to equip them to earn their livelihood and lead a dignified life in the community," the minister said.

For this, Rs.200 million has been earmarked.

As per data compiled by the National Polio Surveillance Project, being conducted jointly with the WHO, there are about 20,000 polio-afflicted children in the country.

Advertisement

Each child will get an average of Rs.10,000 for corrective surgery, fitting of prostheses, calipers/boots of good and light quality, besides residency and training of victim and attendant during treatment and physiotherapy.

(Source: IANS News)