Kailashahar: In a major push to combat the Measles-Rubella (MR) outbreak and build absolute herd immunity, Tripura Health Secretary Kiran Gitte (IAS) has ordered an extensive door-to-door survey across Unakoti district. The directive followed a high-level review meeting at the Irani Primary Health Centre on Saturday.
Accompanied by Unakoti DM Megha Jain (IAS) and senior health officials, Gitte stated that due to a recent spike in infections in neighboring Bangladesh, the target age group has been expanded. The vaccination drive will now cover all children aged between 9 months and 10 years.
Under the new protocol, ASHA and Anganwadi workers will inspect physical vaccination cards of every child. Verbal assurances from parents will not be accepted; if MR-1 or MR-2 doses are not explicitly documented, the child will be revaccinated. The department estimates that 25,000 to 30,000 children may require fresh doses.
Furthermore, strict screening is underway at border checkpoints, where 25 to 30 symptomatic patients have already been isolated. To maintain rigorous oversight, the DM will chair weekly progress reviews every Monday, supported by rural awareness rallies to ensure zero dropouts.