The slow pace of vaccination in Jharkhand has raised concerns amid growing threat of Omicron, a new form of Corona variant. As per the data of the union health ministry, Jharkhand has the poor position in terms of vaccination. So far, only about 66 per cent of the people in this state have received their first dose of vaccine. The penetration of the second dose is only 33 per cent.
As the threat of Omicron lingers across the world, the Jharkhand Government too has made elaborate plans to deal with any type of emergency. State Health minister Banna Gupta talking to The Pioneer said, “The State Government has made elaborate strategies for creating awareness about vaccination. Presently 60 mobile vaccinations vans are moving to different parts of the State creating awareness about vaccination. These vans are creating awareness about vaccination in rural areas especially in districts where there is slow vaccination.”
He further said, “In past few months due to decline in daily corona cases, there was carelessness among people about corona vaccination, but now as there is threat of Omicron variant the government is creating awareness about vaccination.”
The health minister also said that apart from these steps, strict frisking of passengers at airports, railway stations and bus stops of passengers reaching state from other states has been intensified. District administration has been asked to give pace to regular testing of passengers reaching the state from other states though airports, railway stations and other places.
Gupta claimed that health services at hospitals will be intensified. “We have 73 oxygen plants ready at the same time private hospitals have been asked to keep ready beds for emergency situations.”
The danger of a third wave remains in the country which has faced two waves so far. If there is a third wave, the slow pace of vaccination in opposition-ruled states can make the situation worse. There is a stir in the government especially after the new form of Corona came in front of Omicron.
The condition is that despite this campaign that has been going on for months, not a single opposition-ruled state has been able to provide even the first dose of vaccine to 90 percent of the people. The second dose of vaccine in these states is less than 50 percent. The Centre has stressed the importance of vaccination and has urged all to get the two jabs. Several states have also issued fresh guidelines, curbs and travel advisories to prevent the spread of Omicron.