Tripura: Vaccination for people above 18 years can get delayed
The COVID-19 vaccination drive for people in the age group of 18 to 44 years in Tripura is likely to be delayed as the manufacturer has not yet assured the supply of doses on time, a senior health department official said on Saturday. On Monday, the Central Government announced that the ongoing vaccination drive will be expanded to people above 18 years of age.
Registration for vaccination of 18+ people begins from April 28
The central government has announced that all eligible citizens, who are above 18 years of age, can register on the CoWIN portal, which is the official website for vaccine registrations from April 28.
Manufacturer yet to confirm the supply date of vaccine
National Health Mission (NHM) Director Dr. Siddharth Shiv Jaiswal said that the state government is fully prepared to start the vaccination program scheduled on May 1 but the vaccine manufacturer is yet to confirm the supply date of the doses. "We are in constant touch with the vaccine manufacturer, but they are yet to confirm the exact date of supply of doses," he said.
Vaccines will be delivered to Maharashtra first
Dr. Jaiswal said, "They informed us that the vaccine will be delivered to Maharashtra first as the situation is grave there and then they would consider supplying vaccines to Tripura." Dr. Jaiswal said that the state government had made all preparations for vaccination of those who are above 18 years of age and below 45 years and funds were also sanctioned for the project.
District Magistrates, political parties informed about the development
Dr. Jaiswal said, "Until the manufacturer confirms the vaccine supply, it would not be possible to start the vaccination drive from May 1." "All district magistrates of eight districts were informed about the development through video conferencing today and all the political parties were informed about it. We want people not to get confused and cooperate with the administration in this regard", he added.
States, private entities can buy vaccines directly for inoculation
According to the new vaccine rules, states and private entities can buy vaccines directly for inoculations. The Centre will continue to vaccinate frontline workers, health workers, and those above 45.
State has sufficient oxygen supply; also procured oxygen from Assam
Regarding oxygen supply, Dr. Jaiswal said, "The state has sufficient supply of oxygen which can cater to the needs of the hospitals as of now. There are three refilling stations in the state and a bulk quantity of oxygen was also procured from Silchar in Assam." "In case the supply stops from Assam, the state might face difficulties in meeting the need," he added.
State requires around 1,000 oxygen cylinders per day
He said that one official was appointed as nodal officer for oxygen management and supply. The state requires around 1,000 cylinders per day and stocks for the next 15 days are available at present.
Many states are currently facing shortage of oxygen
Many states including the national capital Delhi are currently undergoing a shortage of oxygen supply. The Central Government on Thursday passed an order for unhindered transportation of oxygen tankers. It underlined that no one can limit the oxygen supply to any particular state. The Supreme Court on Thursday had also asked the Centre to furnish a plan regarding oxygen and medical supply.
