Special surveillance in Unakoti to tackle Measles–Rubella; NHM director visits district

In view of the prevailing measles and rubella situation in Unakoti district, National Health Mission (NHM) Mission Director Saju Vaheed A, visited the district headquarters Kailashahar on Sunday to assess the ground reality, triggering heightened activity within the district health administration.

Soon after his arrival, the Mission Director chaired an important review meeting at the Circuit House. The meeting was attended by District Magistrate Dr. Tamal Majumdar, Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr. Shirshendu Chakma, District Surveillance Officer Dr. Amit Debbarma, District Immunization Officer Dr. Sandipan Bhattacharjee, and Medical Superintendent of the District Hospital Dr. Rohan Paul. Senior officials and staff of the district health department, including Gournagar Block BDO Ankar Deb, were also present. During the meeting, the current infection status and immunization coverage in the district were thoroughly reviewed.

Following the meeting, Saju Vaheed visited the Irani Primary Health Centre under Gournagar Block. There, he interacted extensively with on-ground health workers, including in-charge doctor Dr. Pritam Das and Dr. Ayan Roy, to understand the situation firsthand. He also inquired about any hesitancy or challenges among the public regarding vaccination.

He later inspected the Unakoti District Hospital at Bhagabannagar, Kailashahar. After reviewing the isolation ward and healthcare infrastructure, he instructed Medical Superintendent Dr. Rohan Paul to continue providing treatment services in strict adherence to guidelines.

Speaking to the media after the visit, the Mission Director stated that the situation is currently stable and under control. However, due to the impact of infections in neighboring Bangladesh and the district’s proximity to the international border, the administration is not willing to take any risks.

 “We have identified that some children are still left out of the vaccination coverage. A special drive will be conducted within the next week to ensure MR (Measles-Rubella) vaccination for children aged 9 to 16 months,” he said.

He also urged the public not to panic and advised that anyone experiencing fever along with red rashes on the skin should immediately contact the nearest health centre.

The State Director assured that the district administration and health department are working in coordination to strengthen healthcare services and eliminate measles and rubella from the district. Officials believe that following this surprise visit, the pace of the vaccination drive in Unakoti will further accelerate.