Announcing that Punjab Government would undertake vaccination in age group of 18-45 years from May 1, the Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday said that it would be ensured that the vaccine would be supplied “free of cost” in all Government healthcare facilities across the State.
In view of the limited supplies of vaccine expected initially, the Chief Minister constituted an Expert group, comprising eminent virologist Dr Gagandeep Kang, Dr Jacob John, Professor of Community Health at CMC Vellore and Dr Rajesh Kumar, former Head School of Public Health PGIMER in Chandigarh to suggest a detailed strategy of prioritization in the 18-45 age group.
The Chief Minister, chairing a high level meeting to review the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the state, tasked the Expert Group to chalk out a vaccination strategy and submit a detailed plan to the State Government within a week to meet the challenge in the midst of unprecedented COVID pandemic in the state.
Eminent virologist Dr Gagandeep Kang, who attended the meeting as a special invitee, emphasized the need to have a proper strategy to combat the current second wave of COVID, with geographical saturation in high case load cities such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Mohali, and Patiala besides prioritization on the basis of medical need (serious comorbidity) and on the basis of occupational groups such as teachers, etc.
PUNJAB RECEIVES FOUR LAKH VACCINE DOSES
Punjab on Thursday received four lakh more doses of Covishield vaccine from the Centre, which is expected to last for only three or four more days as per the pace of the ongoing vaccination drive. The Chief Minister has asked the Health Department to vigorously pursue with the Union Government for ensuring requisite supply of more Covishield vaccine besides getting requisite stock of Covaxin doses as well.
24X7 HELPLINE FOR REAL TIME BED AVAILABILITY STATUS
Punjab Government’s 104 helpline will provide 24x7 real time information with respect to availability of beds in the hospitals. Chief Minister has asked the Health Department to ensure that 75 percent beds were reserved in L2 and L3 facilities for COVID care besides imposing a complete ban on elective surgeries so that the hospitals should focus on the treatment of Covid patients.
CM ORDERS CRACKDOWN ON OXYGEN HOARDING
Ordering a crackdown on oxygen hoarding in the State, the Chief Minister categorically stated that no trader or manufacturer would be allowed to indulge in illegal hoarding of liquid medical oxygen and anybody found wanting would be dealt with sternly. The Chief Secretary informed that detailed guidelines have already been issued to the Industries, Health, and Police departments to ensure strict compliance of the directions in this regard.