PANAJI
Goa Civic and Consumer Awareness Network (GOACAN) has welcomed the formation of a district task force for North Goa to identify persons who do not have any of the seven prescribed photo identity cards so that they will be able to get vaccinated against Covid.
This step by Ajit Roy, IAS collector and chairman, District Disaster Management Authority, North Goa will hugely benefit the marginalised sections of society, feels Roland Martins, coordinator, GOACAN, who had appealed in a letter to the director, Health Services Dr Jose D'Sa on the urgent need to vaccinate beggars and other marginalized sections of society in Goa against Covid.
“We had suggested to the DHS to prepare a vaccination plan for all homeless, marginalised sections by June 10, keeping in mind the approaching monsoon, and our request has been listened to,” says Martins.
GOACAN’s letter also suggested that DHS coordinate with the directorate of Social Welfare, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs as well as the Commissioner of Labour and Employment. The letter also suggested that the DHS direct UHC / PHC / CHC to take the assistance of the Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHSNC) in this vaccination drive at the village Panchayat level.
“We also asked the health department to prepare an appeal for assistance in this vaccination drive which can be circulated to NGO's, Faith-based Groups, Community Based Organisations, Clubs and Social Workers in all Talukas of Goa,” stated Martins.
It may also be noted that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had already formulated SOPs for vaccination of people who do not have any of the seven prescribed photo identity cards and all State governments were advised that identification of such persons must be completed.
The copies of the appeal were sent to the Chief Secretary, Secretaries for Health, Civil Supplies, GAD and Social Welfare, Urban Development and Transport, respective Collectors and District Magistrates, Director Panchayats, Social Welfare, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and Commissioner Labour and Employment.
