Form of words:
New Delhi: Highlighting that the nation is close to delivering one billion Covid vaccine doses, the Center has urged states and union territories to focus on increasing the coverage of the second dose in the light of adequate availability of shots.
The cumulative vaccine doses administered in the country so far have exceeded 99 crores under the nationwide COVID-19 vaccination campaign. The nationwide COVID-19 vaccination program was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 16 January.
The central government has also sought suggestions from the states to prepare new guidelines for international travel.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan reviewed the progress of immunization with health secretaries and mission directors of National Health Missions in states and union territories through a video conference on Monday, according to a statement from the ministry.
Bhushan highlighted that the nation is close to delivering one billion doses and congratulated the states and union territories for their effort to vaccinate all citizens.
It was highlighted that a large number of beneficiaries have not received the second dose of the COVID vaccine. The statement said that states and union territories were urged to focus on the second dose of vaccination.
In the virtual conference, it was reported that many states have enough doses to vaccinate those who are waiting for their second job. The Government of India is in a position to provide additional vaccine doses to the States and Union Territories so that they can meet this task.
He also called for speeding up the vaccination campaign.
States and Union Territories have been advised to identify and prioritize districts with low coverage for focused action and to address local challenges, the need for additional Covid vaccination centers and access to rural areas, the statement said. Find out the requirements for mobilizing efforts to improve.
The Health Ministry has issued standard operating procedures for international travel over the past year.
It is reviewing the guidelines in consultation with all stakeholders including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of External Affairs. States and Union Territories were also requested to share their suggestions or feedback, the statement said.
Read also: India’s Covid vaccination coverage crosses 99 crore mark, says Mansukh Mandaviya
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