ADC (HQ) chairs meeting for District Task Force on Immunisation (DTFI)

Namchi, December 5 (IPR): A meeting for the District Task Force on Immunisation (DTFI) was held today at the District Administrative Centre (DAC), Namchi,today.
The session was chaired by Mr. Subash Ghimirey, ADC (HQ).
Also, present during the meeting were Dr S N Adhikar CMO Namchi, Dr B K Chauhan DRCHO Namchi, Dr Roshan Poudyal Paediatrician, Ms Bijay Laxmi Rai CNO
Mr Norbu Lepcha CDPO Ravangla
Mr G.P. Sharma Joint Director Education Department,
Ms Roshni Thapa DHEO, Mr Passang Bhutia General Secretary Dhristhi,
Members of the DTFI, Namchi and officials of ICDS.
During the meeting, Mr Subash Ghimirey ADC (HQ), stressed the significance of proactive follow-up on patients who fail to attend health centres, highlighting the need to prevent negligence and minimise harm to human life.
He also emphasised that while 18 years is the legal age for marriage, it may not be ideal for individuals’ physical and mental well-being.
Furthermore, he encouraged prioritising first aid and proper medical care before moving forward with legal registration procedures.
He also advocated for more effective awareness campaigns at the grassroots level, suggesting that involving influential political figures could be key to influencing public attitudes and behaviours.
Dr. BK Chauhan, DRCHO Namchi, provided an overview of the demographic profile and logistical details for the Annual Target 2024-2025 for Namchi District.
He reviewed the current health facilities, immunisation programmes, and operational challenges.
Further, he shared critical data on the sex ratio, child and maternal mortality rates, maternal vaccines, and vaccine logistics.
He also highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the National Deworming Day, SAANS (Social Awareness and Action to Neutralise Pneumonia Successfully), and New Born Week.
Additionally, he raised concerns about the unhygienic conditions in remote areas, especially the harmful use of charcoal among infants, and the low participation rates in health awareness initiatives.
Ms Roshni Thapa, DHEO, highlighted the slow progress in behavioural change at the community level and the minimal male involvement in health awareness programmes.
She discussed various coordination efforts with Asha workers and Anganwadi centres to boost participation .
Ms Bijay Laxmi Rai, CNO, reviewed the outcomes of the previous meeting and provided a detailed explanation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC PNDT) Act of 1994, which aims to prevent gender-based sex selection.
Mr. Passang Bhutia, General Secretary of Dhristhi, spoke on the critical issue of underage marriages, stressing the need for awareness not only within communities but also at the administrative level.
He noted that communities often respond better to panchayat members rather than health workers, suggesting the importance of leveraging local leadership in preventing early marriages.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on strengthening public health strategies and community engagement to ensure better immunisation coverage, improved healthcare delivery, and increased awareness on crucial health issues such as underage marriages and maternal care.
The collaboration between various stakeholders, including health workers, local leaders, and administrative officials, was recognised as vital to achieving these goals.