11L babies not vaccinated for DTP: Congress

Wed, 17 July 2024

17:18

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge hit out at the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Centre for its alleged failure to carry out vaccinations under the 'Mission Indradhanush' program and took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying "PM CARES only for vanity."

Terming it a "cardinal sin," the Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha claimed that 16 lakh children were not provided key vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) and measles shots in 2023.

He further alleged that around half of the applications for assistance to children who became orphans during the COVID pandemic were rejected by the PM CARES Fund, "without providing any reasons.

"Mission Indradhanush is a flagship routine immunization campaign led by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The scheme launched in 2014 plays a pivotal role in ensuring that routine immunization services reach children and pregnant women who might have previously missed or dropped out of the vaccination programs.

In a post on X, Kharge said that the central government is 'wasting' India's strong foundation in immunisation laid by the Congress party.

"Modi Govt has committed a cardinal sin by not vaccinating lakhs of children. Neglect of immunisation means loss of precious lives. The gains of India's strong foundation in immunisation laid by the Congress party have been shamelessly wasted by the Modi Govt, as 16 lakh children have not been provided the key vaccines for diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) and measles shots in 2023, eroding the advantages made in 2022," the Congress leader posted on X.

TOP STORIES

US tariffs: India to follow wait and watch approach

The official said there are both challenges and opportunities for India as many of its competitor countries in exports, such as China Vietnam, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Thailand, face higher duties.

Trump tariffs: 'This is not a tax cut, this is a tax hike'

"These latest so-called 'Liberation Day' tariffs are reckless and self-destructive, inflicting financial pain on Illinois at a time when people are already struggling to keep their small businesses afloat and put food on the table."

Christian Michel alleges poisoning attempts in Tihar

Christian Michel James, an alleged middleman in the AgustaWestland case, has claimed that attempts were made to poison him inside Tihar Jail. A Delhi court has sought a response from the prison authorities on his plea. The court has also...

IPL PIX: Venkatesh back in form as KKR overpower SRH

Venkatesh Iyer silenced his critics with a match-winning 60 off 29 balls, propelling Kolkata Knight Riders to a convincing 80-run win against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

JKAS transfers: LG-Omar clash looms as CM calls meet

In a significant administrative reshuffle, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha ordered the transfer and posting of 48 J-K Administrative Service (JKAS) officers, potentially creating friction with the National...