JABS FREE FOR 18-45 AGE GROUP IN PUNJAB, HP GOVT HOSPITALS

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday announced that vaccination in the age group of 18-45 years across Punjab will start from May 1 and it will be ensured that the vaccine is supplied free of cost in all government healthcare facilities. A similar decision was taken by the Himachal Pradesh cabinet in a meeting chaired by chief minister Jai Ram Thakur on Thursday.

CHANDIGARH : The Punjab government has decided to provide 24x7 real-time information on the availability of beds in hospitals through the 104 helpline and ordered a crackdown on hoarding of medical oxygen in the state.

The decisions were taken at a high-level meeting chaired by chief minister Capt Amarinder Singh to review the Covid situation in the state.

Expressing concern at reports about shortage of beds for Covid patients in various parts of the country, the CM said the current situation was comparatively comfortable in Punjab with respect to availability of beds in the hospitals, both government and private sector.

The CM asked the health department to ensure that 75% beds were reserved in level 2 and 3 facilities for Covid care, besides imposing a complete ban on elective surgeries so that the hospitals focus on the treatment of Covid patients.

He said the fresh restrictions have led to stabilisation of the overall situation.

The district officials have been asked to ensure adequate sampling and increase RAT testing, especially in cases of contact tracing.