(a) whether the Union Government has formulated any policy/plan to ensure
the proper implementation of immunization programmes in the country;
(b) if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government in this direction?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)
(a) to (c): Yes. The Government of India has formulated a Multiyear strategic plan for immunization services.
The Plan spells out the strategies for providing efficient and sustainable immunization services.The salient
points of implementation are as below:
(a): Government of India centrally procures and supplies vaccines and cold chain equipments for immunization
programme to the states/UTs as per their requirements.
(b): The states are provided support to improve efficiency in service delivery through following interventions:
# Mobility Support to strengthen supportive supervision.
# Support for alternate vaccine delivery from the last cold chain point at PHC/CHC to session site saving
time & effort of ANM and bring about efficiency.
# Where ANM is not available as in the urban slums and underserved areas, hiring of vaccinators have been
allowed for providing immunization.
# Incentive to ASHA for mobilizing beneficiaries due for vaccination to the session site to prevent missed
-out beneficiaries.
# Use of Auto-disabled syringes for injection safety and improve service quality.
Further, all states have been asked to ensure tracking of pregnant women and children for improving coverage
of immunization. Programme implementation is monitored and reviewed at the State and the Central level to
ensure proper implementation.