Thiruvananthapuram: Health Minister Veena George informed that 20,56,431 children under the age of five in the state have received polio vaccine in the state-level drive. The target was to provide drops to 24,36,298 children through 24,614 booths.

The minister said 84.41 per cent of children have received the vaccination amidst the Covid crisis.

The Minister inaugurated the programme at Kozhencherry District Hospital, Pathanamthitta. The first polio vaccine was given to Malhar, son of District Collector Dr Divya S Iyer, by the minister.

Minister Veena George said government hospitals in the state would be transformed into mother-child friendly. Soon private hospitals also will be roped into the programme. The state aims to reduce maternal and child mortality rates, minister added.