Gangtok, March 2 (IPR): The Health department called a Press Conference today in view of the COVID vaccination campaign drive being carried out nationwide.
The Press Conference was chaired by Principal Secretary Health Shri K. Srinivasulu and attended by PDHS cum MD NHM Dr T. Yamphel and Director RCH cum State Immunization Officer Dr Phumzay Denzongpa.
Shri K. Srinivasulu stated that the COVID VACCINATION DRIVE 2.0 for citizens aged 60 years and above has started on a war footing in Sikkim.
He gave an insight into various steps taken in tackling the pre-pandemic, the pandemic and the post- pandemic situation in Sikkim in terms of health care management. He outlined the various measures taken by the State that incuded the setting up of the Viral Diagnostic Research Lab, the conducting of tests and other effective solutions adopted throughout the pandemic period up untill today when the State has embarked on this mass vaccination drive for the general public.
He applauded the efforts of the health care workers who have worked tirelessly to stabilize the COVID situation in the State and have brought down daily cases from hundreds to just single digit. He stated that Pan India registration on COWIN app has made it easier and the portal has been receiving a lot of registrations since yesterday.
In the first phase, the eligible 60 years and above citizens are being identified, ensuring that no Sikkimese will be left behind in the vaccination process. Shri Srinivasulu also raised the ongoing phenomenon of vaccine hesitancy that has gripped many and gave forth his assurances that the vaccines being produced by the Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech are absolutely safe and effective and hence asked the people to come forward and get themselves vaccinated to strengthen the state’s fight against COVID -19.
Elaborating on the strategy adopted by the State towards the vaccination process keeping in mind the various challenges that arise considering the State and its geography and connectivity, it was informed that the process is being completely decentralized. The district task forces have started on micro planning for smooth functioning of the vaccination process in all four districts of Sikkim through the district hospitals, primary, public health centers and sub centers which are being equipped with effective and adequate infrastructure, manpower and planning of a successful public vaccination drive covering both rural and urban Sikkim.
It was further informed in the Press Conference that those patients who are within the age group of 45 to 59 with co-morbidities will be identified according to the 20 different diseases identified by the Government of India which is being widely publicized. Such patients would be required to take out health certificates according to the format prescribed by the Government of India.
Through the Directorate of Panchayati Raj, Village level rural management workers and ASHA workers would be aiding the people in the rural areas for online and offline registration in the vaccination process.
Shri Srinivasulu informed that databases are being developed everyday and according to that the vaccine procurement and the vaccination process is being carried out.
Keeping in mind the various mutant viruses emerging from foreign countries being found in many states in the country and the threat it poses to the people, it was informed that the travel restrictions for the people entering the State from these states will be put in place. It was also informed that RTPCR negative tests done within 72 hours will have to be produced by those coming to Sikkim from these states. This is being done prioritizing the health and well being of the people of Sikkim stated the Health Secretary who solicited co-operation from the public in this regard.
A mechanism is being deliberated with the State administration for effective implementation and enforcement of this travel restriction, he added.
The press conference ended with the Health Secretary conveying the gratitude of the State Government towards the health care workers, the frontline workers and the general public towards effectively tackling the pandemic.
