Kargil, December 21: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Mohd Jaffer Akhoon on Sunday kick-started the Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization (IPPI) Programme in Kargil, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to safeguarding children’s health. Under the programme, Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) will be administered to all children below five years of age on National Immunization Days (NIDs). The launch event was attended by ADC Kargil Imteeaz Kacho, CMO Kargil Dr. Liyakat Ali, Deputy CMO Dr. Fatima Banoo, State Leprosy Officer Dr. Fatima Nissa, BMO Kargil Dr. Jalil, District Programme Manager Mohd Ishaq, along with parents, beneficiaries and paramedical staff. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Akhoon lauded the medical fraternity and health workers for their crucial role in eradicating polio from India. He said sustained vaccination drives remain essential to maintain immunity and prevent any resurgence of the disease. The CEC also appreciated the Health Department for extending healthcare services to far-flung areas like Itchoo, calling such outreach efforts highly commendable. Emphasising that health and education are top priorities of LAHDC Kargil, Dr. Akhoon said several healthcare infrastructure projects have been completed, with many more underway. He appealed to parents to ensure 100 per cent participation so that no eligible child is left out of the immunization drive. ADC Kargil Imteeaz Kacho assured full support from the District Administration and praised the dedication of paramedical staff in sustaining India’s polio-free status. Deputy CMO Dr. Fatima Banoo presented a block-wise overview of the programme, informing that 12,495 children (0–5 years) are targeted through 386 IPPI booths, supported by 1,544 P-teams, 76 supervisors, two mobile teams, with 13,742 vaccines and 688 vials allocated for the drive.