BHUBANESWAR:
Odisha has a system in place to distribute vaccine whenever it is available with priority being
frontline health workers, people above 50 years of age and those with comorbidities,
Naveen Patnaik wrote in a series of tweets following a virtual meeting of chief ministers with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the vaccination programme.
“Though we have prepared for seamless vaccination programme to save every life on priority basis, we can’t lower our guard, even if when the #vaccine is available, as the duration efficacy of the vaccine against #COVID19 virus is still unknown,” Naveen wrote.
Mentioning that masks are still the best preventive we have against the pandemic, the chief minister wrote, “We need to ensure that we all continue to wear masks, practice #socialdistancing and hygiene to protect ourselves against #COVID19. Let’s resolve not to take the virus lightly.”
The state had earlier said that after healthcare workers, people above 60 years and pregnant women would be on the priority list for vaccination. A government official said during the meeting the CMs had nothing much to say. “It is for the CMs and the states to understand the Centre’s viewpoint to further prepare for vaccination distribution. Niti Aayog member (health and nutrition) V K Paul gave a detailed presentation on the 30 crore priority groups including three crore healthcare workers, 26 crore people above 60 years of age and another one crore with comorbidities,” the official said.
The Centre has given its clearance for enrolment of healthcare workers in Covid-19 vaccination beneficiary management system. Accordingly, the state has already registered 3.17 lakh.
Additional chief secretary (health) Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra said the state will soon start the process to procure 1000 refrigerators and 30 deep freezers and more than 7000 needle-cum-hub cutters as part of its infrastructure expansion to maintain a cold chain for the vaccine. The expenses would come around to Rs 8 crore.
The state hopes the Centre would supply needle and syringes along with vaccines whenever it is launched.