Question : National Polio Immunisation Programme

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the National Polio Immunisation Programme (NPIP) has been deferred or suspended if so, the details thereof and reasons therefor;

(b) the dates on which national polio immunisation drive originally scheduled for January 17, 2021 and later postponed will now be conducted;

(c) whether the Government has assessed the potential adverse impact that suspension or deferment of the programme is likely to have on preventing polio in children, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;

(d) whether the Government as part of its initiative to sustain a polio free status has targeted 17 crore children of less than five years of age this time, if so, the details thereof; and

(e) whether any new cases of polio have come to the notice of the Government in the country during the last three years, if so, the details thereof?

(a) & (b): The National Polio Immunisation programme was rescheduled from 17th January 2021 to 31st January 2021 since the massive countrywide COVID-19 vaccination drive which is world’s largest immunization exercise was rolled out from 16th January 2021. The National Immunisation Day (NID) was conducted successfully on 31st January 2021.

(c): There was no adverse impact due to rescheduling of NID which was successfully conducted within two weeks and more than 15.8 crore children were vaccinated during this NID.

(d): Yes, National Immunisation Day (NID) conducted on 31st January 2021 targeted to cover 17 Crore children of less than 5 years across all States/UTs.

(e): No new Polio case has been reported during the last three years in the country.