Bandipora: Braving biting cold and heavy snowfall, health workers in the remote Line of Control areas of the Gurez Valley in Bandipora district have shown exceptional dedication by ensuring that the Pulse Polio immunisation drive reaches even the most inaccessible villages.
Despite harsh winter conditions, snowbound roads, and sub-zero temperatures, teams of health workers moved door to door in isolated hamlets, often on foot, carrying vaccines and essential supplies.
Their resolve was clear: no child should be left unvaccinated, regardless of weather or terrain.
In high-altitude areas along the LoC, including Gurez, Tulail, and other remote belts of Bandipora district, the immunisation drive continued without interruption.
Health officials acknowledged that continuous snowfall and extreme cold posed serious logistical challenges, but the determination of frontline workers ensured the smooth implementation of the programme.
“Winter makes access extremely difficult, but protecting children from polio remains our top priority,” a health official said.
“Our teams, supported by ASHA and Anganwadi workers, are working tirelessly to cover every household.” Local residents have widely appreciated the efforts of the health workers, describing their dedication as a lifeline for communities that often remain cut off during winter months.
Many parents expressed gratitude for the door-to-door vaccination approach, especially when travelling to health centres becomes nearly impossible due to heavy snow.
Speaking to the media, Bashir Ahmad Terro, a health worker from Medical Block Gurez, said that despite harsh weather and continuous snowfall, teams are carrying out the Pulse Polio campaign strictly as per directions from higher authorities.
He said health workers, along with ASHA and Anganwadi workers, are visiting every household to ensure that children unable to step outside due to extreme cold receive polio drops at home.
“Our teams decided to go door to door to complete the immunisation,” Bashir said, adding that the primary aim of the campaign is to protect young children from polio and ensure that not a single child is missed.
While acknowledging the difficulties faced during the severe winter, he stressed that the commitment of the health workforce remains unwavering.
Bashir further informed that some of the most challenging locations, including Safaid Aab, Sikander Nalla, Neeru, and other nearby remote villages, have almost been covered.
Dozens of children in these areas have already been immunised despite the tough conditions.
He also expressed gratitude to the Chief Medical Officer Bandipora and the Block Medical Officer Gurez for their constant support and guidance during the winter months.
Bashir thanked the local residents of Gurez for their cooperation, patience, and support, which he said played a crucial role in the successful conduct of the campaign.
Notably, heavy snowfall and extreme cold usually confine residents of the Gurez Valley to their homes, making movement risky and difficult.
Despite these challenges, the relentless efforts of health workers have ensured that essential vaccination services continue uninterrupted, reflecting their deep commitment to public health even under the most adverse conditions.
