Patiala, June 17 -- The World Health Organisation (WHO) has formally withdrawn from direct immunisation operations against vaccine-preventable diseases (diphtheria, polio, and measles) in Punjab. All responsibilities have been transferred to the state's health department.

This withdrawal is a nationwide measure. Multiple sources in the Punjab health department and WHO have confirmed to HT that WHO has shut down most of its field units in Punjab and handed over surveillance records, logistics and technical responsibilities to the state authorities.

The VPD programme, which covers surveillance of diseases such as polio, diphtheria, pertussis and tetanus (DPT), and measles-rubella (MR), was earlier being monitored by WHO teams in close coo...