Ranchi, April 9: Jharkhand today joined the nation in its battle against polio. The day was also observed as National Immunisation Day.

According to reports, about 33 lakh children from 0 to 5 years were administered polio drops under the Pulse Polio campaign, which was carried out across the state today by the government in association with NGOs.

This will be followed by a door-to-door campaign over the next three days to cover those left out.

State reproductive and child health (RCH) officer Pushpa Maria Bech told The Telegraph that the drive went off smoothly in all the 22 districts. As many as 55 lakh children were to be covered during the drive.

?The turnout was quite impressive in the morning, but it slowed down during noon because of the scorching heat. However, it again improved in the afternoon,? she said.

The government had also made elaborate arrangements for publicising the campaign through advertisements in newspapers, television, pubic address system and posters and banners.

A rally, led by Ranchi civil surgeon Ashrita Kujur, was also taken out last evening to parents make parents aware.

In Jharkhand, 20,000 booths were set up and about 1,700 transit and mobile teams were formed for the purpose. About 4,000 supervisors were pressed into service to oversee the campaign, for which 80,000 vaccinators and 3.35 lakh vilas were arranged.

In Ranchi, as many as 5.12 lakh kids were to be covered under the drive, for which 2,022 booths were set up and 8,044 vaccinators were arranged.

Scouts, guides and NCC cadets were also pressed into service for the Pulse Polio Campaign.