Health officials from two city corporations expressed a preference for having the vitamin ‘A’ campaign on fixed dates every year.

They said that although the government organises the campaign twice a year, the varying dates create confusion for many guardians. They added that if the dates were fixed, more children would be able to benefit from the vitamin campaign and its coverage.

Speaking at a programme on the vitamin ‘A’ campaign at DNCC on Thursday, its Chief Health Officer Brig Gen Imru-Al-Kayes Chowdhury said that if the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) arranges the campaign on fixed dates, it would be more convenient for all parties, particularly for guardians, to avail of the service.

Due to the purchase and distribution of capsules, along with other factors, the campaign is organised on different dates each year, he said.

However, it would be more convenient if it were held on a fixed date, as it would help us bring more children under the campaign's coverage, he added.

Speaking on the occasion, DNCC Chief Executive Officer Abu Sayed Md Kamruzzaman said that unlike previous years, the campaign is being held during the month of fasting this year due to political turmoil that delayed its scheduled time in December.

The DSCC officials, along with medics from other hospitals, also echoed his demand.

Assistant Director (Admin) of Sir Salimullah Medical College Dr Anowarul Azim said, "The government administers the vitamin 'A' capsule to children twice a year, but every year the dates for the campaign are different, which increases the chance of guardians forgetting the dates."

He proposed, “The government should set fixed dates, like 1 January and 1 July, for the campaign. This way, guardians can easily bring their children to the campaign centres in a planned manner, and it will also save funds for publicity.”