KISHTWAR, Jun 29: Speaking to the media, Dr. Nazir Hussain, Medical Officer and General Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir National Health Mission (NHM) Employees Association, appealed to the Government to revise and enhance the incentive provided to frontline workers engaged in the Pulse Polio Immunization Programme.
Dr. Nazir Hussain stated that the Pulse Polio campaign is a coordinated effort involving the Health Department, Education Department, Social Welfare Department (ICDS), ASHA workers, Anganwadi Workers, teachers, and other field functionaries who work tirelessly to ensure that every eligible child receives the Oral Polio Vaccine.
He pointed out that the campaign is conducted over three days.
On the first day, vaccination is carried out at designated Pulse Polio booths, the first day is often held on a Sunday, while on the second and third days, teams undertake intensive house-to-house visits to identify children who may have missed the vaccination at the booths and ensure that no child is left without protection against polio.
Dr. Nazir Hussain expressed concern that the incentive paid to these frontline workers has remained unchanged at ₹225 per worker for the entire three-day campaign for more than 10years, despite the significant rise in inflation and the overall cost of living.
He urged the Government to review the existing incentive structure and increase the honorarium in recognition of the dedication, hard work, and vital contribution of the frontline workforce. He said that while salaries, wages, and the prices of essential commodities have increased over the years, the incentive for Pulse Polio campaign workers has remained stagnant.
Dr. Nazir Hussain emphasized that these workers play a crucial role in maintaining India’s polio-free status and deserve fair financial recognition for their commitment and services. He expressed hope that the Government would sympathetically consider their long-pending demand and revise the incentive to a realistic and appropriate level.