Update on Immunization Programme and Pandemic Preparedness

Key Highlights:

• The Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) has maintained over 90% National Full Immunization Coverage for four consecutive years, aligning with National Health Policy 2017 goals.
• A nationwide HPV vaccination campaign was launched on February 28, 2026, targeting approximately 1.2 crore eligible girls aged 14 across all States and UTs.
• Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) strengthens public health infrastructure and capacity for disease surveillance.
• The Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and ICMR's network of over 160 Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) have been strengthened for pandemic preparedness.
• Medical oxygen infrastructure has been boosted through the supply of equipment and establishment of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) plants in States/UTs.
• Integrated digital platforms like Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) and Health Management Information System (HMIS) are operational for real-time data collection and analysis.

Detailed Insights:

• Full immunization coverage rates were 94.7% (2022-23), 93.7% (2023-24), 98.3% (2024-25), and 97.9% (2025-26).
• The HPV vaccine is delivered free of cost at designated government health facilities, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.
• Awareness generation for HPV vaccination is promoted through IEC materials and social media, targeting rural, tribal, and urban slum areas.
• PM-ABHIM aims to enhance capacity for diagnostics and research for emerging and re-emerging diseases, building a resilient health system.
• IDSP allows for a decentralized system of response through trained multi-disciplinary Rapid Response Teams (RRTs).
• An Integrated Training Module for the Primary Healthcare Team at Ayushman Arogya Mandir was launched in April 2026.
• Steps to boost medical oxygen infrastructure included supplying oxygen cylinders, concentrators, and Liquid Medical Oxygen tanks.
• Other operational portals include the Ayushman Arogya Mandir Portal and National Program for Non-Communicable Disease (NP-NCD) Portal.
• These platforms support early detection of outbreaks by enabling data collection, analysis, visualization, and dissemination of epidemiological information.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Universal Immunization Programme (UIP): A national public health program providing free vaccines against 12 vaccine-preventable diseases.
• Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM): A scheme to strengthen public health infrastructure from primary to tertiary care.
• Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP): A state-based surveillance program to detect and respond to disease outbreaks quickly.
• Ayushman Arogya Mandirs: Health and Wellness Centres providing comprehensive primary healthcare services.
• Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) plants: Technology used to generate medical oxygen on-site from ambient air.