(a) whether the Government propose to make the Polio Eradication Programme a success;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) the funds sanctioned for implementation of this plan during 2004-05;
(d) whether the number of Polio patients has decreased in the country; and
(e) if so, the number of polio projects in the country at present?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SMT. PANABAKA LAKSHMI)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The Pulse Polio Immunization activities have been intensified. During 2004, three National Immunization Days (NIDs) have been observed in the month of January, February and April, and one Sub-National Immunization day (SNID) has been observed in the month of May in the States of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Haryana, Delhi, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Assam, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Uttaranchal. Two more NIDs will be observed during the month of October and November 2004. In addition, Mop-up rounds covering large areas will be conducted between July to September on detection of new polio virus cases.
(c) The approved outlay for 2004-05 is Rs. 1123 crores.
(d) Yes, Sir. The number of new polio patients has decreased. The polio cases declined from 1600 in 2002 to 225 in 2003 and only 14 cases in 2004 (till 26th June, 2004).
(e) There is only one polio eradication programme being implemented by Government of India in association with States and other development partners.