Amaravati, June 28 (HS): Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday administered polio drops to children at the launch of the three-day Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme and called for the revival of the traditional joint family system, describing it as one of India's greatest strengths.

Launching the programme at his camp office, the Chief Minister interacted with children and their parents and enquired about their health, vaccination status and upbringing. He urged parents to ensure that children receive all government-recommended vaccinations on time.

Officials of the Health and Family Welfare Department informed the Chief Minister that the state aims to administer polio drops to about 49.2 lakh children below the age of five during the three-day immunisation campaign.

During his interaction with families, Chandrababu Naidu spoke about the challenges of raising children, particularly in households where both parents are employed. He said child care should not be considered solely the responsibility of mothers and called upon fathers and other family members to actively participate in parenting.

The Chief Minister said the traditional joint family system provided emotional support and helped instil values in children through the involvement of grandparents and other family members.

Reiterating the state government's commitment to encourage larger families, Chandrababu Naidu said awareness is being created on the importance of having two or more children and promoting a family-friendly social environment.

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Director of Secondary Health K. V. N. Chakradhar Babu and officials of the National Health Mission (NHM) were present.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar