State gears up for Covid-19 vaccination drive from Jan 16
Total 4.40 lakh health care workers will get Covishield vaccination in the first phase
JAIPUR: After two successful dry runs, the state health department is all set for the first phase of vaccination for Covid-19. Around 4.40 lakh people will be included in the first phase in Rajasthan starting January 16, health minister Raghu Sharma said on Sunday.
“A total of 4.40 lakh healthcare workers will get Covishield vaccination in the first phase starting from January 16. The first phase of vaccination will take place at 282 session sites. The medical department has completed all preparations for the vaccination, “said Sharma, addressing media persons at the office of Health Directorate in Jaipur.
The health minister said that the storage of Covid vaccine will be done in three districts with air connectivity; Jaipur, Udaipur and Jodhpur. Arrangements have been made to preserve the vaccine at temperatures between 2 and 8 degrees.
“There are three state level, seven divisional level and 34 district level vaccine stores in the state. Also, 2,444 cold chain points are functional at community and primary health centres. A vaccine van is also being made available in each district,” said Sharma, adding that 104 and 108 ambulances will also be available at vaccination centres for emergency needs.
The health minister said that 5,626 vaccination teams have been trained for the first phase of vaccination. In the first phase, 3,689 medical institutions and 2,969 private sector medical institutions have been identified for the vaccination. Of these, 3,736 medical institutes have been provided ‘Covin’ software.
“Arrangements for treatment of potential adverse effects after vaccination at all vaccination session sites have been ensured. Also, we have received the publicity material from the Government of India related to Covid vaccination. Arrangements have been made for printing and distribution of content,” Sharma said.
Public representatives, doctors, health workers, Anganwadi workers, assistants and Asha Sahayaginis have also been roped in at district, block and sector levels and have been made aware of the vaccination.
The health minister said that video conference facility has been made available to interact with district collectors and other district level officials for review of the vaccination preparations by the chief secretary. Also, a meeting of the state task force (STF) was held at the state level under the chairmanship of the secretary, Medical and Health Department.
During the press briefing, National Health Mission director Naresh Thakral, director RCH Dr Laxman Singh Ola and other officers of the department were present.
RAGHU SHARMA , health minister