Mysuru: MLA Ramdas launched Mission Indradhanush immunisation drive in city at a programme jointly organised by the District Administration, ZP, Health & Family Welfare Department and DHO office at Primary Health Centre on Ramanuja Road here on Monday.

Mission Indradhanush is a Health Mission of the Government of India that was launched in Dec. 2014. It aims to immunise all children under the age of two years, children of 5-6 years of age as well as all pregnant women, against seven vaccine preventable diseases. The diseases being targeted are diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, poliomyelitis, tuberculosis, measles and Hepatitis-B.

Speaking on the occasion, Ramdas said that Mission Indradhanush Vaccination Programme will help in maintaining the health of children and pregnant women. Underlining the importance of the drive, the MLA highlighted the initiatives taken by the Centre for protecting the health of the people.

District RCH Officer Dr. S. Gopinath said that the Mission Indradhanush drive will take place in city till July 20.

Pointing out that 3,542 children under two years of age, 1,774 children of 5 to 6 years of age and 1,122 pregnant women in city limits have been covered under the Mission, he said that 145 vaccination centres have been set up across the city, including those at Anganawadi Kendras and Community Halls.

DHO Dr. B. Basavaraj, District Vector-Borne Diseases Control Officer Dr. Chidambara, Corporator Sunil and others were present.