The State Government has decided to intensify vaccination drives by immunising around 2.5 lakh people in a day.
The State Government, which at present is administering around 1 lakh jabs, decided to revive the vaccination target, as in the past few days under the new vaccination policy several States have administered vaccines to more than ten lakh population.
Also, with the reports of a possible third wave of coronavirus striking the Country in next six to eight months, which is said to be more fatal to children, the State Government wanted to strengthen its fight against the virus.
The nodal officer for health department’s Information, Education and Communication (IEC) wing, Dr Siddharth Tripathi, on Thursday said the State Government has decided to revive its vaccination target with administering around 2.5 lakh vaccines everyday and using the resources, which the Government has, it will not be a tough ask.
He also said, “Directives have been issued to all district administrations to achieve the target.”
He also said under the new vaccination policy issued by the Centre which focuses on no section of society being left without vaccination, the district task force authority has been given the new assignment to identify such vulnerable sections of society who have been left without vaccination.
These vulnerable sections of society are Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG), saints from different religion who are leading a nomadic life, persons imprisoned at different jails, persons getting treatment at mental asylum, those living at old age home, road side beggars and others.
As majority of people in these categories don’t have valid identity proof, the state government has directed various district administrations to identify these sections of society and through a facilitator they should be vaccinated.
Sources said the State Government has decided to intensify vaccination drives as on Monday the day on which the country made a record by administering 85.96 lakh Covid-19 vaccine doses after introduction of new inoculation strategy, Jharkhand’s performance was dismal. States wise, Madhya Pradesh administered the highest number of vaccines with 15.42 lakh jabs, followed by Karnataka with 10.67 lakh jabs and Uttar Pradesh with 6.74 lakh jabs, while Jharkhand administered less than even a lakh doses.
Also, Jharkhand was in 19 positions among States providing vaccines on Monday.
Moreover, making preparations ahead of a possible third wave of a corona pandemic said to be more fatal for children, the State Government has launched a training programme for doctors and health workers which includes nurses and medical officers.
Separate training programmes are going on at RIMS and Rani Children Hospital. Training is provided district wise at these two health hubs.
Also, as per Centre’s directive paediatric covid care management will be set up at district hospital, sub divisional hospital, referral hospital and community health centre. Every district will have 20 specialised resources persons which will include two paediatricians, six medical officers and 12 nurses.