Goa Medical College among eight hospitals identified for inoculation programme in the State
PANAJI
Even as questions are being raised in scientific quarters over the accelerated clearances to the Covid-19 vaccines and non-clarity over stage 3 trials and efficacy results, Goa is readying its infrastructure to launch its drive, possibly as soon as on January 16. Around 18,000 health care workers will be the first set of recipients of the much awaited vaccine.
Eight hospitals in Goa including five government hospitals have been identified by the health officials to roll out the vaccination drive.
Health officials said, the Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim, Hospicio Hospital Margao, Asilo Hospital Mapusa, Chicalim Health Centre and the Sub-District Hospital Ponda are the five State-run hospitals identified. Three other private hospitals - - Manipal Hospital at Dona Paula, Healthway Hospital at Old Goa and Victor Hospital in Margao - - are the three private facilities where the vaccination drive will be held.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to hold a video-conference meeting with Chief Ministers on Monday where issues related to the vaccine roll out in the country will be discussed.
CM Pramod Sawant said, after the video-conferencing meet with the Prime Minister, a meeting with officials of all concerned departments will be held to decide nitty-gritty of vaccination programme.
Meanwhile the State's 'task force' for Covid-19 vaccination will also meet on Monday with top functionaries of the eight identified hospitals.
Two dry runs have already been conducted in Goa like other parts of the country along to test preparedness in terms of handling logistics of the vaccine roll out.
Frontline health workers have been identified as 'priority group' who will be vaccinated in phase-I, as determined by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC).
