PANAJI
After being shocked and concerned to know that there is no plan in place to vaccinate beggars and others in the government vaccination campaigns and the health officers admitting of challenges in carrying out such a drive, Goa Civic and Consumer Action Network (GOACAN) has appealed to the government to prepare a vaccination plan for the homeless marginalised sections of society by June 10, keeping in mind the approaching monsoon.
In a letter to the director of Health Services, Roland Martins, coordinator, GOACAN has suggested some measures like coordinating with the Directorate of Social Welfare to examine if any social welfare assistance can be put in place for all those being identified for this vaccination drive. The health department can also coordinate with the Department of Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs to examine if those identified for this vaccination drive can benefit from the free food grains being provided by the Central government.
The letter also suggests coordination with the Commissioner of Labour & Employment to examine if those identified for this vaccination drive can benefit from any assistance provided by the Central government for migrant labour. The UHC, PHC, CHC can take the assistance of the Village Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Committees in this vaccination drive at the village Panchayat level, states the letter.
The letter further suggests the preparation of 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 across Goa.
Copies of this GOACAN letter has been sent to the chief secretary, Secretary (Health), secretary (Civil Supplies), secretary (GAD & Social Welfare), secretary (Urban Development & Transport), respective collectors and district magistrates, Director of Panchayats, social welfare, civil supplies and consumer affairs and commissioner, Labour and Employment.
