Immunisation

The government hospital in Chandigarh outlines the "Universal Immuinsation Program" - including those shots that are optional. Accross India, child immunisation is surprisingly low - rates for DPT (dyptheria, pertussis and typhoid) are 55%. Costs and lack of access to medical facilities is a major factor: villagers can ill afford the hospital fee of 50 rupees, never mind the expense of a rickshaw to get to the hospital.

On the third and fourth Mondays of every month, DIR HPs assist government health officials providing immunisation clinics in the bustee. In the preceding days, they visit the homes of children due for shots, liquids or pills to remind mothers. The clinics also provide an opportunity to check the health of the mothers.
Health workers also come directly to the DIR school to immunise enrolled children.