During the inaugural event, the Chief Minister highlighted that the only effective and proven prevention against a severe disease like polio is timely and consistent vaccination. He delivered a strong message to the public, warning that even a slight negligence or complacency could adversely impact a child’s future. He passionately appealed to all parents, guardians, and community leaders to visit their nearest vaccination booths and ensure their children under five receive the vital ‘two drops of life’. Bringing smiles to the young faces present at the launch, the Chief Minister also distributed chocolates to the children immediately after administering the drops, creating a welcoming and encouraging atmosphere for the families.

Poster Launch and Strict Directives to the Health Department

Marking the beginning of the campaign, CM Sharma unveiled the official awareness poster themed ‘Do boond har baar polio par jeet rahe barkarar’ (Two drops every time, maintaining victory over polio). He issued clear and strict directives to the top officials of the Medical and Health Department to ensure that the campaign achieves 100 percent coverage. He stressed that not a single eligible child in the state should be left behind, regardless of their geographical location. Under this strategic campaign, children up to five years of age will receive the drops at designated booths on the first day (June 28). To ensure total coverage, this will be followed by an intensive door-to-door vaccination drive conducted by dedicated health teams over the subsequent two days.

Massive Mobilization: Over 1 Crore Children to be Covered

The three-day statewide campaign, scheduled to run from June 28 to June 30, targets an estimated 1.04 crore children across Rajasthan’s diverse landscape. To facilitate this massive logistical exercise and reach every corner of the state, the health department has established a sprawling network of 59,217 polio booths. Furthermore, a total of 75,232 dedicated teams, comprising trained health workers, ASHA Sahyoginis, and Anganwadi workers, have been deployed. Recognizing the challenges of vaccinating children in transit and reaching nomadic communities or those living in remote desert areas, the state has uniquely mobilized 7,011 transit teams and 9,004 mobile teams, who will remain actively on duty at railway stations, bus stands, and major highways.

Sustaining India’s 15-Year Polio-Free Streak

The significance of this campaign is amplified by the fact that India has successfully prevented any new polio cases for the past 15 years. The country’s relentless public health efforts were globally recognized when the World Health Organization (WHO) officially awarded India its polio-free certification on March 27, 2014. Maintaining this status requires continuous vigilance, making campaigns like this absolutely crucial. The prestigious launch event in Jaipur was attended by Minister of State for Energy (Independent Charge) Heeralal Nagar, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Akhil Arora, Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department Gayatri Rathore, along with several other senior administrative officials, healthcare professionals, and enthusiastic parents.

Conclusion: The successful launch of the Pulse Polio campaign by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma marks a crucial milestone in the state’s ongoing public health initiatives. With extensive preparations by the health department, grassroot-level mobilization, and active public participation, the Rajasthan government is fully equipped to ensure that every child remains permanently safeguarded against the threat of polio, keeping the nation’s proud polio-free legacy intact.

The Medical and Health Department has formulated a comprehensive strategy to ensure the success of this campaign. According to the plan, on the first day of the drive (June 28), children will be administered the vaccine at designated polling booths. For the subsequent two days, health worker teams will conduct door-to-door visits to guarantee that no child is left out of this vital safety net.

Over 75,000 Teams Formed for the Campaign

Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khimsar stated that 59,217 polio booths have been established across the state to facilitate the vaccination process. Furthermore, 75,232 special teams have been constituted. More than 1.38 lakh health workers and personnel from various other departments will actively participate in this initiative. Keeping traveling children in mind, 7,011 transit and 9,004 mobile teams will also be deployed on active duty.

Reaching Every Child: From Railway Stations to Brick Kilns

Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, Gayatri Rathore, has appealed to parents to bring their children to the booths on the very first day of the campaign. Trained health workers, ANMs, ASHA Sahyoginis, and Anganwadi workers will play a crucial role in executing this task effectively.

Dr. Jogaram, Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), clarified that mobile and transit teams will be stationed at railway stations, bus stands, national highways, and other major transit points. Special arrangements have been made to reach nomadic families, children of laborers working at brick kilns, and those residing in remote areas, aiming for a 100 percent vaccination coverage rate.

India’s Polio-Free Journey and Global Scenario

The Pulse Polio campaign was initially launched in India in 1995. Thanks to continuous and intensive efforts, not a single new case of polio has been reported in the country since January 2011. The World Health Organization (WHO) officially certified India as polio-free on March 27, 2014. However, with 3 polio cases reported in neighboring Pakistan and 4 in Afghanistan so far in 2026, continuous vigilance is being maintained nationwide.

Conclusion: The Rajasthan government’s Pulse Polio campaign is a critical step toward ensuring the better health and future of children. The success of this drive, running from June 28 to 30, relies heavily on public participation and the vigilance of the health department, ensuring that future generations remain permanently safe from the threat of polio.

Surprise Inspection Across Major Alwar Hospitals

The Health Minister initiated a sudden inspection of the General Hospital, Women’s Hospital (Janana), and Children’s Hospital in Alwar city. He extensively examined the operational readiness of multiple key departments, including:

• The Ramashray and general wards
• Critical Care Unit (CCU) and Intensive Care Unit (ICU)
• Major Operation Theaters (OT)

Following this, Minister Khinvsar visited the Women and Children’s Hospital, where he inspected the Mother Milk Bank, labor rooms, post-operative wards, and pediatric operation theaters. During his review of the Mother Milk Bank, he specifically inquired about the milk storage systems and sanitation standards, issuing crucial directives to officials to optimize these resources for newborns.

Direct Interaction with Patients and Real-Time Feedback

During his sudden tour, the Health Minister bypassed standard official briefings to connect directly with the people. Walking through the wards, he spoke with admitted patients and their families to evaluate:

• The actual availability of prescribed medicines
• The quality of treatment being provided
• The overall conduct and responsiveness of the hospital staff

Mr. Khinvsar instructed the attending medical officers to maintain maximum coordination and ensure the efficient utilization of available resources so that the district’s healthcare system remains robust and hassle-free for every citizen.

Strict Action Against Negligence at Rural Health Centers

Demonstrating a zero-tolerance policy toward administrative laxity, the Health Minister extended his surprise inspection framework to rural healthcare networks. He visited the Badodamev Community Health Center (CHC) under the Govindgarh subdivision and the Bagadmev Primary Health Center (PHC) in the Ramgarh subdivision.

Serious operational negligence was uncovered during these rural visits. At the Badodamev CHC, two out of the four stationed personnel were found absent from duty without prior authorization. Similarly, key nursing staff members were found missing from their posts at the Bagadmev PHC. Expressing strong displeasure over this unprofessional conduct, the Health Minister ordered immediate disciplinary action against the absent doctors and nursing staff. He emphasized that the state government will not tolerate any compromise or laxity regarding public health duties.

Comprehensive Healthcare Review: Focus on Fire Safety & Welfare Schemes

Following the physical inspections, the Health Minister chaired a high-level review meeting with top medical officers to analyze systemic health indicators across the district. The critical points discussed included:

• OPD Status & Medicine Availability: Ensuring uninterrupted supply lines for the Chief Minister’s free medicine schemes to handle daily outpatient department (OPD) loads efficiently.
• Institutional Deliveries & Mortality Rates: Formulating rigorous steps to enhance safe maternal deliveries and significantly lower maternal and infant mortality rates.
• Mandatory Fire Safety Compliance: Given the summer season, the Minister conducted a strict evaluation of fire safety infrastructures across all medical buildings. He mandated regular fire safety mock drills to keep hospital emergency responses flawless.
• Execution of Welfare Schemes: Evaluating the operational performance of the Mukhyamantri Ayushman Arogya Yojana and the Maa Voucher Yojana. The Minister directed officials to accelerate outreach so that 100% of eligible beneficiaries receive these state-sponsored health benefits.

Prominent Officials Present: The high-level review and inspection were attended by the core administrative medical team of the district, including Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. Yogendra Sharma, Principal Medical Officer (PMO) Dr. Praveen Sharma, Dr. Manoj Garg, Dr. Kesari Singh, and Dr. Jalam Singh Rathore. Also present were the Acting Principal of the Medical College Dr. Indu Sood, Dr. Dinesh Sood, Principal of the Nursing College Mr. Rajpal Yadav, along with Nursing Superintendents Mrs. Sushila Verma and Mrs. Sarala Sharma.

The comprehensive meeting focused on the prevention, control, and treatment strategies for seasonal spikes in dengue, malaria, scrub typhus, viral fevers, and other waterborne infections. Additionally, the minister reviewed the current status of fire and electrical safety audits across all government healthcare facilities to ensure a secure environment for patients and medical staff.

Minister Khinvsar strictly directed administrative and medical officers to ensure that there is no compromise in delivering timely and high-quality healthcare services to the public. He emphasized that the state government is fully committed to safeguarding public health throughout the monsoon period and expects seamless inter-departmental coordination.

Ensuring Adequate Stock of Medicines and Equipment

The Health Minister instructed all state-run hospitals to maintain a surplus stock of essential medicines, diagnostic kits, beds, medical oxygen, and critical life-saving equipment. He ordered that adequate medical personnel must be available 24/7 across all shifts.

To manage emergencies effectively, the administration has been directed to strengthen the rapid response mechanism and ensure that district-level control rooms operate at maximum efficiency to track localized outbreaks.

District-Wise High-Alert Zones

Based on recent epidemiological trends, the Health Minister identified specific sensitive districts requiring localized containment strategies and rigorous monitoring:

• Dengue Interventions: High vigilance ordered in Jaipur, Kota, Ajmer, Udaipur, and Sawai Madhopur.
• Malaria Control: Intensive anti-larval operations directed in Pratapgarh, Salumber, Barmer, Udaipur, and Banswara.
• Scrub Typhus Prevention: Focused monitoring mandated in Kota, Bundi, Baran, Jaipur, and Jhalawar.

Local municipal bodies and health teams have been instructed to carry out extensive fogging, source reduction, and anti-larva activities in these high-risk areas while ensuring the supply of clean drinking water.

Prioritizing Patient Safety: Fire and Electrical Audits

Shifting the focus to infrastructure safety, Minister Khinvsar reviewed the division-wise progress of electrical and fire safety audits in all government medical institutions. He stated that the safety of patients, their attendants, and healthcare workers remains the top priority of the administration.

To mitigate hazards like short-circuits, the minister mandated regular inspections of electrical wiring, panel boards, and heavy equipment. Furthermore, all hospitals must ensure that fire extinguishers, alarm systems, emergency exits, and hydrant systems are fully operational. Regular mock drills will be conducted to train hospital staff in disaster management, and compliance reports must be submitted progressively to rectify any infrastructure loopholes.

Conclusion

This high-level review highlights the Rajasthan government’s proactive dual approach to managing public health during the monsoon. By reinforcing grassroots containment measures against vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, while simultaneously enforcing strict structural safety audits in public hospitals, the state is actively working to minimize both health and operational risks this season.

(The meeting was attended by Commissioner of Medical Education Mr. Babulal Goyal, NHM Additional Mission Director and Director IEC Dr. T. Shubhamangala, Director of Public Health Dr. Ravi Prakash Sharma, Director of RCH Dr. Madhu Rateshwar, along with principals of medical colleges, hospital superintendents, and Chief Medical and Health Officers (CMHOs) via video conferencing.)

Key Highlights of this News:

• Statewide Campaign: The National Pulse Polio drive will take place across all districts of Rajasthan on June 28, 2026.
• Heightened Vigilance: The initiative serves as a precautionary measure after new polio cases were detected in neighboring countries.
• Target Audience: Health officials have been instructed to ensure 100% coverage for all children aged 0 to 5 years.
• Collaborative Effort: Multiple departments, including Education, Panchayati Raj, and Women & Child Development, will coordinate with global partners like WHO and UNICEF.

“No Child Should Be Left Behind”

During the meeting, NHM Mission Director Dr. Jogaram emphasized the necessity of seamless coordination between various government departments to ensure the campaign’s success. He stressed the importance of mass awareness and extensive publicity to encourage parents to bring their children to the vaccination booths. Dr. Jogaram further directed officials to complete the training of frontline workers and conduct district-level committee meetings to streamline logistics and management.

Response to Cross-Border Risks

The urgency of this campaign was highlighted by Dr. Madhu Rateshwar, Director of RCH, who noted that the recent emergence of polio cases in neighboring countries has placed Rajasthan at potential risk. To prevent any local transmission, the state has prioritized this massive immunization drive. Beyond the polio efforts, the task force also reviewed the progress of the routine immunization program and the ongoing HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign, providing necessary directives for their continued advancement.

High-Level Participation

The meeting saw participation from several senior officials, including Dr. T. Shubhamangala (Additional Mission Director, NHM), Dr. Raghuraj Singh (Project Director, Immunization), and representatives from the Department of Information and Public Relations. Key development partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and NIPI were also present to offer technical and strategic support for the upcoming drive.

Marking the occasion of ‘World No Tobacco Day’, a massive statewide enforcement and public awareness campaign was executed from May 22 to May 30, 2026, under the Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003 (COTPA), setting new benchmarks in public health administration.

Strict Enforcement: 2,137 Challans Issued Statewide

Smt. Gayatri Rathore, Principal Secretary of the Medical and Health Department, shared that the state is strictly implementing tobacco control laws. Driving a strong message of zero tolerance, drug control officers conducted extensive surprise inspections across the state. By May 29, 2026, a total of 2,137 challans were issued against violators of the COTPA provisions.

Jaipur topped the list with 290 challans, followed by Bharatpur (216), Jodhpur (202), Alwar (149), and Nagaur (130). Authorities heavily focused on enforcing the ban on smoking in public places, prohibiting the sale of tobacco products within a 100-yard radius of educational institutions, and clamping down on illegal tobacco advertisements.

Global Acclaim: WHO Honors Rajasthan

Rajasthan’s relentless and effective efforts have now resonated on a global platform. The World Health Organization (WHO) has honored the Rajasthan Medical and Health Department with the highly prestigious ‘World No Tobacco Day Award’ for 2026 in the South-East Asia region. This international accolade is a testament to the state’s expertise, authoritative policy implementation, and steadfast commitment to public health.

The Health Minister’s Appeal to the Youth

Highlighting this year’s WHO theme—“Unmasking the Appeal: Countering Nicotine and Tobacco Addiction”, Health Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Khinvsar made a heartfelt appeal to the public, especially the youth. He urged young citizens to stay far away from the life-threatening addictions of tobacco, cigarettes, and hookahs. Emphasizing that a healthy life is the greatest wealth, he called upon the youth to become ambassadors of change and inspire others to quit addiction.

Drug Control Commissioner Dr. T. Shubhmangala added that alongside enforcement, large-scale awareness programs and oath-taking ceremonies were successfully organized across schools, colleges, and public offices.

Robust Infrastructure for De-addiction: 500+ Centers Active

The government is not just focusing on penalties; it is providing extensive medical support to those willing to quit:

• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: On May 31, special counseling sessions are being organized across all Ayushman Arogya Mandirs to assist tobacco users.
• Free Treatment & NRT: More than 500 tobacco de-addiction and counseling centers are operating up to the block level. Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) has been added to the essential medicine list and is being provided free of cost up to the Community Health Centre (CHC) level.
• Success in Numbers: Between December and April 2026, over 31,669 tobacco consumers were counseled, 9,584 patients received clinical treatment, and an impressive 1,541 individuals successfully quit tobacco consumption.

Taking the Campaign to the Grassroots

Director of Public Health, Dr. Ravi Prakash Sharma, noted that the campaign has successfully transformed into a grassroots mass movement. Indicators for a ‘Tobacco-Free School’ have been strictly implemented in over 83,000 educational institutions. Furthermore, under the Ayushman Adarsh Gram Yojana, 13,744 villages have passed official resolutions for effective tobacco control, and 32,380 prominent locals have been appointed as ‘Tobacco Monitors/Ambassadors’ to drive awareness deep into rural Rajasthan.

Disclaimer: This news article is intended for informational and public awareness purposes only. The statistics and governmental guidelines cited are based on official press releases and statements from the Department of Medical, Health & Family Welfare, Rajasthan. For any health-related decisions or medical assistance regarding tobacco de-addiction, please consult a certified medical professional or visit your nearest authorized healthcare center.

Victory of the ‘Tobacco-Free Rajasthan’ Resolution

Expressing pride in this achievement, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma stated that this recognition is a result of the state government’s unwavering commitment to public health and its effective policy implementation. The Chief Minister remarked, “This honor is the culmination of the collective efforts of the medical department, district administration, healthcare workers, and all social organizations that have brought the resolution of a ‘Tobacco-Free Rajasthan’ to reality.”

Rajasthan: A Model State for Tobacco Control

Medical and Health Minister Gajendra Singh Khinvsar stated that Rajasthan has established itself as a ‘Model State’ across the country in tobacco control. Not only has the state expanded its treatment facilities, but through dedicated counseling services, it has successfully helped millions of people break free from tobacco addiction.

Key Pillars of Rajasthan’s Success:

• Extensive Network: Over 500 ‘Tobacco Cessation and Counseling Centers’ are operating up to the block level across the state. These centers have been geo-tagged on digital platforms, making it easy for the public to reach the nearest facility.
• Active Enforcement: Strict enforcement of the ‘Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) – 2003’ and the ‘Prohibition of Electronic Cigarettes Act – 2019’ has been ensured.
• Massive Public Awareness: More than 83,000 schools across the state have been declared ‘Tobacco-Free’. Additionally, approximately 2.55 lakh awareness activities, such as street plays (nukkad nataks), rallies, and competitions, have been organized.
• Digital Outreach: Campaigns were conducted on a massive scale, with over 60,000 messages and updates shared across social media platforms to educate the youth.
• Community Participation: The ‘Tobacco-Free Village Campaign’ is being effectively integrated with the ‘Ayushman Adarsh Gram Yojana’ to ensure widespread community involvement in rural areas.

Top Ranking at the Global Level

WHO grants this prestigious award by dividing countries worldwide into 6 regions. The Rajasthan Medical and Health Department’s top ranking in the South-East Asia region reflects the state’s effective administrative framework and consistent dedication. This international honor will serve as a motivation for the state government to undertake even more impactful initiatives in the future.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on official government press releases and announcements made by the World Health Organization (WHO). It is intended for public interest and information purposes.

To read this news in Hindi, click here: missionkiawaaz.in

Enhanced Heatwave Management Protocols

The Health Minister has issued specific operational guidelines to all Chief Medical and Health Officers (CMHOs) and Principal Medical Officers (PMOs) to manage the intense summer conditions. Key directives include:

• Reserved Beds for Heat-Stroke: Hospitals have been instructed to reserve dedicated beds specifically for heat-stroke patients.
• Stocking of Essential Supplies: Ensuring an adequate supply of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS), IV Fluids, and emergency cooling kits is a top priority.
• Patient and Attendant Comfort: Hospitals must ensure robust arrangements for cool drinking water, shaded waiting areas, and effective cooling systems (coolers/ACs) for patients and their families.
• Special Care for Vulnerable Groups: Strict precautions and heightened monitoring have been mandated for sensitive categories, including pregnant women, children, and the elderly.

Strengthening Human Resources and Digital Tracking

The Minister highlighted that the department has recently completed record recruitments, significantly strengthening health services even in remote and border areas. To ensure optimal use of human resources, all institute heads have been instructed to update information on vacant positions on the ‘Raj Health Portal’ as a top priority.

Vaccination and Digital Health Mission

Mission Director (NHM), Dr. Jogaram, emphasized the need for concrete steps to increase HPV vaccine coverage. With schools currently closed for summer vacations, he instructed that vaccination camps be organized at the local level in coordination with ASHAs and ANMs. Additionally, progress under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission was reviewed, with a deadline set for May 31 to complete the registration and ABHA card generation for all health professionals.

Expedited Resolution of Pending Matters

The Director of Public Health reviewed the pendency of cases received through the Sampark Portal and CM Helpline, directing that all outstanding matters be resolved within the prescribed time frame. Furthermore, instructions were given to coordinate with local administrations to expedite land allotment cases for the construction of new hospital buildings in line with budget announcements.

Disclaimer: This news article is based on the official departmental press release and information shared during the review meeting. It is intended for public information purposes only.

To read this news in Hindi, click here: missionkiawaaz.in