Jammu (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has announced that the UT government will provide free Covid-19 vaccines to people between above 18 years of age group during the upcoming Phase-3 of vaccination drive.
The decision was taken during a high-level meeting, chaired by the Lt Governor, here at Raj Bhavan, where BVR Subrahmanyam, J&K Chief Secretary; Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department; Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the LG and Simrandeep Singh, Secretary, DMRR&R were present.
“In J&K, we are committed to provide corona virus vaccine free of cost to all the people above the age of 18 years. The government shall bear all the costs of vaccine procurement from the manufacturer”, the LG said.
The LG expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for announcing a ‘liberalised’ vaccine policy, making all adults above 18 years of age eligible to get inoculated from May 1 and allowing state governments and private hospitals to purchase vaccines from manufacturers directly.
In line with the announcement, the J&K government will begin the next phase of the vaccination drive soon, where doses will be administered to the population falling under the age group of 18-45 years, according to the official spokesperson.
Pertinently, in the ongoing vaccination drive, doses are being administered to all citizens above the age of 45 years. During the meeting, the LG asked the concerned officers for preparing a comprehensive plan for the upcoming vaccination drive.
A decision was also taken to constitute a Vaccine Logistics Team for ensuring hassle-free procurement and availability of Covid-19 vaccines in the UT.
The Lt Governor sought a detailed report on the availability of vaccine, oxygen supply, bed availability, and other emergency services, and directed the officers to remain sensitive to the evolving situation due to COVID, and to take appropriate measures to mitigate and contain the spread of the corona virus.
Meanwhile, in view of the surge in the cases, it was decided that complete ‘Corona Curfew’ will be observed in the Union Territory from 8 PM today till 6 AM on Monday. All market and commercial institutions will remain closed. However, essential and emergency services are allowed to operate, as per the official statement.
-ARK
