Dimapur, July 14 (MExN): District health officials in Nagaland have been directed to prioritise fast-track COVID-19 vaccination of shopkeepers and vegetables vendors in the state.
An order to this effect was issued by the Principal Director, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare Dr Neikhrielie Khimiao on Wednesday. “Shopkeepers and vegetables vendors being vulnerable section of the society and are not only at risk of contracting COVID-19 but are also potential spreader of the virus due to the nature of their profession. Therefore, priority for COVID-19 vaccination must be given to these particular sections of the community,” the order stated.
The Chief Medical Officer and Medical Superintendent of all districts have been directed to take necessary steps to ensure fast-track vaccination among this section of the community on priority.
In a separate order, the Principal Director also directed health care workers (HCWs) in both public and private hospitals who have not taken the COVID-19 vaccine, to get tested for the virus after every 15-day interval. They will also have to produce COVID-19 negative test certificates when they report for duties to ensure the safety of patients, co-workers and community.
In this regard, the Chief Medical Officer and Medical Superintendent of all districts have been directed to ensure compliance to the order and the District Task Forces have been entrusted to monitor the same in the private hospitals.
According to Dr Khimiao, the two directives were issued in accordance with the Kohima Bench, Gauhati High Court’s order on June 30 in regard to a Suo Moto Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
As of July 13, out of 25,339 targeted health care workers (HCWs), only 15,863 or 62.60% have received their 1st dose. It must be noted here that the cohort was first to receive vaccination when the drive kicked across India on January 16.
According to a State health official, while most doctors and nurses are vaccinated among HCWs, the percentage is low among supporting staff and auxiliary workers.
