Parents who refuse polio vaccination face fines, prison sentences

HYDERABAD: The deputy commissioner of Hyderabad on Monday announced strict measures against parents who refuse to vaccinate their children against polio, including fines and prison sentences.

Deputy Commissioner Tariq Qureshi has been granted the authority to impose fines under Section 1. According to a notification, parents who decline to have their children receive anti-polio drops would face fines and jail terms.

The deputy commissioner has mandate to give a one-month imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 to parents who refuse vaccination. The DC has urged the public to cooperate with polio teams and ensure their children receive the anti-polio drops, emphasising the importance of supporting government efforts to eradicate the polio virus.