India Strengthens Immunization and Health Infrastructure Initiatives
The Government of India is making significant strides in enhancing the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) and preparing the nation for future public health challenges. With an impressive Full Immunization Coverage exceeding 90% for the past four years, the initiative aims to protect the health of children and adolescents across the country.
Recent statistics reveal that the National Full Immunization Coverage (FIC) for the years 2022-23 stands at 94.7%, with projections for 2023-24 at 93.7%, and anticipated increases to 98.3% and 97.9% for 2024-25 and 2025-26, respectively. This maintained coverage highlights the ongoing commitment to safeguarding the health of vulnerable populations, particularly children.
Nationwide HPV Vaccination Campaign
A milestone initiative was launched on February 28, 2026, with a nationwide HPV vaccination campaign targeting around 1.2 crore eligible girls aged 14 years. This program encompasses all 36 States and Union Territories, providing the HPV vaccine at no charge through designated government health facilities, including Primary Health Centres and District Hospitals. To bolster vaccine uptake, especially in rural and urban slum areas, comprehensive awareness efforts are being implemented through various media, including digital platforms, radio jingles, and informative posters.
Pandemic Preparedness Initiatives
To fortify the nation’s health infrastructure against potential pandemics, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched several key initiatives. The Pradhan Mantri – Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) aims to enhance public health capacities at primary and secondary levels and improve disease surveillance capabilities. Moreover, the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) has been fortified, enabling quicker and more effective responses through trained Rapid Response Teams.
Strengthening Medical Infrastructure
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has established a network of over 160 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) to facilitate laboratory diagnosis of various pathogens. Furthermore, significant efforts have been made to boost medical oxygen infrastructure across States and Union Territories. Supplies of oxygen cylinders, concentrators, and Liquid Medical Oxygen tanks have been delivered, alongside the establishment of Pressure Swing Adsorption plants and Medical Gas Pipeline Systems.
Integrated Health Platforms
Operational platforms such as the Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP), Health Management Information System (HMIS), and the Ayushman Arogya Mandir (AAM) Portal are enhancing data collection and analysis capabilities. These systems enable real-time tracking of health data, supporting early detection of outbreaks and efficient disease management.
Smt. Anupriya Patel, the Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, shared these insights in a written response in the Rajya Sabha. The Government remains steadfast in its mission to enhance public health infrastructure and ensure the well-being of citizens through robust immunization and health initiatives.
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