Pan-India Covid vaccination dry run from Jan 2
The COVID vaccination dry run will be conducted by all the State and UT governments on January 2, said a press release issued by Health Ministry on Thursday. The government has also asked all States and UTs to ensure effective preparedness for the vaccine rollout. According to the Health Ministry, the activity is proposed to be conducted in all State Capitals in at least three session sites. Whereas, some States will also include districts that are situated in difficult terrain or have poor logistical support.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting to review preparedness at session sites for COVID-19 vaccination. The meeting was chaired by Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan with Pr. Secretaries (Health), NHM MDs, and other health administrators of all States/UTs through video conference.
"With the objective of gearing up for the roll-out of COVID19 vaccine across the country, the Central Government has asked all States and UTs to ensure effective preparedness for the vaccine rollout," the press release reads.
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Besides, the government has also placed orders for the procurement of nearly 83 crore syringes. Additionally, bids have also been invited for nearly 35 crore syringes. These syringes will be used for Covid vaccination and also for the Universal Immunization Programme.
The government earlier conducted a two-day dry run in four states -- Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, and Punjab. The COVID vaccination dry run was conducted on December 28 and 29 as a step to prep up before the actual thing takes off.
According to the Health Ministry, each state will plan the dry run in two districts and preferably in different session type settings, for example, district hospital, urban site, private health facility, rural outreach, etc.
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