Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Saturday launched state-level Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) 5.0, the vaccine catch-up campaign, which focuses on reaching zero-dose children aged between 0 and 5 years and pregnant women who might have missed any vaccine doses in the national immunization schedule.

Addressing the inauguration programme at Kailasahar in Unakoti district of the state on Saturday, the Chief Minister Dr. Saha said, “The Tripura government is contemplating to strengthen the district hospitals so as to reduce the pressure on Agartala GBP hospital.”

Dr. Saha, who also holds the health portfolio, said that the government in its budget this year has allocated Rs. 59 Crore for ‘Mukhyamantri Jan Arogya Yojna’ to cater the medical needs of the people of the state. He also said that the government will open drug de-addiction centres in all the districts of the state in collaboration with AIMS.

On a different note, Chief Minister Dr. Saha said that there have been several incidents reported from various corners of the state, where the doctors were assaulted. He said, “Attacks on doctors and health workers in hospitals can adversely affect the health care service. Doctors should be trusted and respected, as they always strive to give their best in the service of patients.”

Dr. Saha however underlined the achievements of the BJP-led coalition government in the health sector and said that the government is committed to render quality health care to the people of the state and contemplating to establish better infrastructure to reduce patients’ movement to abroad.  With the launching of the IMI 5.0, the state of Tripura has set a target of full immunization during the three months long drive for vaccination. The first round of the vaccination drive of the IMI 5.0 will be held from August 7 to 12, second round from September 11 to 16 and the third round from October 9 to 14. During these three rounds, children of 0-5 years age group and pregnant women, who have missed any dose of vaccine as per National Immunization Schedule (NIS), will be vaccinated.