Bhatkal: Authorities in Bhatkal taluk have intensified preparations for the 2026 pulse polio campaign, setting a target to administer polio drops to 13,549 children below the age of five.

Chairing a preparatory meeting on Monday, in-charge Tahsildar Praveen Karande stressed the need for coordinated efforts among all government departments to ensure the success of the nationwide vaccination programme and prevent any child from being left out.

According to Taluk Health Officer Dr Sana Patel, a total of 95 vaccination centres will be set up across the taluk, with 388 vaccinators and 19 supervisors deployed for the campaign.

Officials also discussed measures to boost public awareness and ensure vaccine coverage among children in remote villages and migrant worker families. The meeting resolved to involve schools, anganwadi centres, ASHA workers and local bodies to achieve full immunisation coverage.

The review meeting was attended by officials from various departments and members of the programme's steering committee.