NAHARLAGUN, JULY 28 : The state Immunization Officer Dr Dimon Padung informed that the health department is working hard with utilising all its manpower and intending to achieve first dose inoculation of covid 19 vaccination for all (above 18 years) by 15 August.
“We have segregated all the districts and given them everyday targets and with this all the resources and manpower has been managed in creating awareness in all the areas including the rural and far flung areas of the state. We also have plans on achieving the same with the second dose. However, the healthcare workers are facing issues, such as inclement weather and poor road connectivity and non-cooperation of few persons in few pockets,” he said.
“As of 27 July, we have inoculated 63 percent of the eligible beneficiaries as per the census estimate,” he said, adding that the electoral roll and household surveys show higher vaccination coverage.
With regards to availability of vaccine, Dr Padung informed that the state currently has 3,37,320 doses to be used during the next 10 to 15 days and stocks are being received from time to time. However, even if there are immediate shortages in a few areas of the few districts used to manage and the stocks are being dispatched to those areas immediately without delay.
“All the districts have been provided vaccines ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 doses. The Government of India is allocating another four lakh doses for the next month and I hope there would be no problems for the vaccine,” he informed.
A total of 6, 67,469 people have been inoculated with the first dose, while 1,68,665 have been given their second dose till 27 July.
Giving an overview of the Covid situation in the state, State Nodal Officer for Covid-19 and state Epidemiologist Dr Lopsang Jampa informed that the state has been reporting 300 to 400 Covid positive cases and 2 to 5 deaths daily is a matter of concern not for the health deptt but for everyone.
He, however, informed that “the state’s mortality rate is .47 percent, much below the national figure of 1.25 percent.”
“There have been 221 Covid deaths till July 27. Of the 165 deaths in the second wave (till 27 July), 125 were unvaccinated, 33 were partially vaccinated and seven people (and with comorbidity) were fully vaccinated. The data shows that vaccination is helping in preventing Covid deaths. If more and more people come forward to take the vaccination, it will be a step towards the right direction by the public,” he said.
At present, the state’s recovery rate of 90.37 percent is much better and it can improve if all sections of society join hands in fight against the Covid 19 and obey the SoP and covid behaviours to stay safe and secure from the infection of coronavirus . Dr. Jampa said.
He also informed that health officials have been visiting various places in the state and observed that Covid appropriate behaviour was not being followed properly and much needed is to wear a facemask all the time when one goes out of their house in an emergency case. Do not visit crowded areas and always use hand sanitizers and maintain hand washing.
Capital District Medical Officer Dr M Perme informed that the capital region currently has 1,257 active cases (10 days Home Isolation monitoring team plus 4 days self Isolation) spread across all 20 wards under the Itanagar Municipal Corporation as of 27 July.
The DMO said “there is a distribution of cases across the capital and we have to seriously consider measures to protect ourselves.”
He also informed that the state health task force (SHTF) is scheduled to conduct a meeting and discuss the use of Covid home testing kits which are available in the medical stores.
“Unless the SHTF comes up with a protocol, we request those who use such testing kits at home, to at least provide information to the rapid response teams in case someone tests positive,” the DMO said.
He also requested people to come forward for the random tests conducted by the rapid response teams in various wards of the capital complex from time to time.
“This is a very serious illness. Please do not take it lightly. If you are negative then it’s well and good, but if you are positive then we can provide medicines and timely medical care,” he said.
He also informed that the state capital region has the second highest vaccination rate, after East Siang district.
The DMO requested those who are reluctant to take the vaccine due to rumours, not to believe social media posts which have not been authenticated or approved by the government.
“In order to learn to live with Covid, we need to protect ourselves through appropriate Covid behaviour issued by health officials, administration as well as get vaccinated,” he added.
In case of any emergency, call on to several health helplines and can visit several health and wellness centres, Triage centres etc.