Thursday, Mar 28 2024 | Time 21:02 Hrs(IST)
image
States » North


Punjab CM announces vaccination for 18-45 years age group to start from May 1

Punjab CM announces vaccination for 18-45 years age group to start from May 1

Chandigarh, Apr 22 (UNI) Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday announced that the State Government would undertake vaccination in age group of 18-45 years from May 1, and it would be ensured that the vaccine would be supplied free of cost in all Government healthcare facilities across the State.

In view of the limited supplies of the vaccine expected initially, the Chief Minister constituted an Expert group, comprising eminent virologist Dr Gagandeep Kang, Dr Jacob John, Professor of Community Health at CMC Vellore and Dr Rajesh Kumar, former Head School of Public Health PGIMER in Chandigarh to suggest a detailed strategy of prioritisation in the 18-45 age group.
Chairing a high level meeting to review the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the state, the Chief Minister tasked the expert group to chalk out a vaccination strategy and submit a detailed plan to the state government within a week to meet the challenge in the midst of the unprecedented Covid pandemic in the state.
Eminent virologist Dr Gagandeep Kang, who attended the meeting as a special invitee, emphasised the need to have a proper strategy to combat the current second wave of Covid, with geographical saturation in high case load cities such as Ludhiana, Jalandhar, Amritsar, Mohali, and Patiala besides prioritisation on the basis of medical need (serious comorbidity) and on the basis of occupational groups such as teachers, etc.
The Chief Minister was informed that the State had received 4 lakh more doses of Covishield vaccine from the Centre earlier today. As these were likely to last the State for only 3 or 4 more days as per the pace of the ongoing vaccination drive, he asked the Health Department to vigorously pursue with the Union Government for ensuring requisite supply of more Covishield vaccine besides getting requisite stock of Covaxin doses as well.
Referring to the reports of black marketing of anti-viral drugs like Remdesivir and Tocilizumab in the country, the Chief Minister said the experts have given clear protocols on the use of such medicines, which must be duly publicised and followed in right earnest. Health Adviser Dr KK Talwar, referred to the World Health Organisation (WHO) studies that have shown that Remdesivir may not have any significant impact on the mortality due to Covid. Further, there were alternatives for Tocilizumab and protocols of management of serious and critical patients are being regularly shared in the expert group of doctors.
Captain Amarinder directed that the State should continue to procure such drugs for patients who may benefit from their use, and provide the same to the government hospitals and also support the private hospitals, as was already being done.
UNI JS SHK2000

More News
Police arrest 2 absconders in J&K’s Anantnag

Police arrest 2 absconders in J&K’s Anantnag

28 Mar 2024 | 8:47 PM

Srinagar, Mar 28 (UNI) Police have arrested two absconders who were evading arrest for a long time in Jammu Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

see more..

Police solved burglary case with the arrest of two accused

28 Mar 2024 | 8:23 PM

Srinagar, Mar 28 (UNI) Police on Thursday solved a burglary case with the arrest of two accused persons and recovery of stolen property from their possession in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir.

see more..
Punjab BJP chief congratulates Mann on birth of daughter

Punjab BJP chief congratulates Mann on birth of daughter

28 Mar 2024 | 7:48 PM

Chandigarh, Mar 28 (UNI) Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar on Thursday congratulated state Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his wife Gurpreet Kaur on the birth of their daughter.

see more..
Notification issued for 2nd phase of LS polls in UP

Notification issued for 2nd phase of LS polls in UP

28 Mar 2024 | 7:26 PM

Lucknow, Mar 28 (UNI) Notification for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections in Uttar Pradesh covering 8 Lok Sabha constituencies spread over 9 districts of the state was issued on Thursday with which the process of nomination has started in these constituencies.

see more..

India Post to commemorate 250th year of launching of first copper postal ticket

28 Mar 2024 | 7:17 PM

Patna, Mar 28 (UNI) India Post will organise year-long celebrations from March 31 to commemorate the 250th year of the launching of the first postal copper ticket in the world from Patna in 1774.

see more..
image