In a bid to ensure hassle-free COVID-19 vaccination drive and treatment services at COVID Care hospitals, the Health Minister Mr. Balbir Singh Sidhu on Saturday conducted the surprise checking of 4 Government Hospitals at Kharar, Morinda, Chamkaur Sahib and Ropar.Giving details in the press statement, Mr. Sidhu informed that on the directives of Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh, the Health Department is conducting the massive vaccination drive at more than 2500 centres in Punjab where adequate arrangements have been made for the facility of beneficiaries. He said that with the aim to provide standardized facilities, he today conducted surprise checking at the ground zero level.While interacting with the beneficiaries at all vaccination centres, the Health Minister appealed to the beneficiaries to motivate others and come together with the state government to remove the hesitancy regarding the COVID-19 Vaccine. He also instructed the staff to properly sensitize all the beneficiaries who are coming to get the vaccination.
Mr. Sidhu apprised that acting on the appeal of CM Punjab regarding the shortage of vaccine in State, Centre Government will now send the fresh batches of 4 lakh doses by tomorrow.Mr. Sidhu said that State EPI Officer informed that the Health Department received the dispatch intimation of COVID-19 Vaccine from the Centre Government which will be delivered through air cargo at Chandigarh Airport. He said that a total of 40,000 vials will be reached against the 1 lakhs vials demanded by the Punjab Government. He said that each vial has 10 doses of vaccine.Pointing out the need for rationalization of vaccines as per demand & supply policy, he directed the Civil Surgeons to personally check the stock of COVID-19 Vaccines in their respective areas and stock of vaccines to be supplied by maintaining the cold chain where ever demand raises. No laxity will be tolerated in case of unjustified wastage.Giving details about the arrangement made for wheat procurement, he said that 154 vaccination centers have been set up at grain market and 22 Nodal officers have been deputed in all districts to ensure the smooth functioning vaccination of eligible beneficiaries.