From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Aug 30: Karnataka will undertake a special vaccination drive on every Wednesdays to cover at least 10 lakh persons, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr K Sudhakar announced on Monday.
Addressing the media after holding a review meeting with department officials in Bengaluru, he said the Union Government has provided 1.10 crore doses of vaccines in the month of August.
“The supply has increased after Chief Minister and myself had a discussion with the Centre. We are aiming to vaccinate 5 lakh people every day from now onwards,’’ he said.
On every Wednesday during the special vaccination drive, the target is to vaccinate at least 10 lakh people. This will ensure coverage of 1.5 to 2 crore persons in one month, he said.
“We are aiming to make Bengaluru the first metro city to complete vaccination for all its eligible adults,’’ the Minister said.
Dr Sudhakar said 4 crore persons have been vaccinated in the entire State including 1 crore in the BBMP limits.
Measures will be initiated to increase the number in Bidar, Yadgir, Raichur and Kalburgi districts, he said.
The minister said a special drive will be conducted for slum dwellers everyday which will enable staff to conduct the drive at every slums.
Priority to DK, Udupi, UK
“Priority is given to border districts of Dakshina Kannada, Udupi and Uttara Kannada districts and villages within 20 kms in border districts will be accorded priority,’’ he said,
Dr Sudhakar said: “Our aim is to fully vaccinate the entire eligible population by the end of December.’’
“Schools and colleges have been opened in the state for 9th, 10th and PUC students. Discussion has been done to conduct primary schools as well. The State Government will arrive to a decision soon in this regard. Health, safety and future of students is also the responsibility of the government. Parents are also demanding to reopen the schools,’’ he said.
Dr Sudhakar said as there are no reports of infection after reopening physical classes for high school and PU students, we are confident enough to go ahead with reopening of schools at the primary level as well.
Covid guidelines have been issued for all the festivals. The State Government does not want to restrict any celebrations but the decision has to be taken according to the situation.
“It is our duty to keep in mind the welfare of all the citizens. Everyone should respect and follow the guidelines. We are confident that the situation will be under control after all these difficult circumstances,’’ he said.
Mobile Number for Vaccination
The Minister said mobile number used during registering first dose of vaccination should be provided while registering for the second dose as well.
Otherwise, the information will mismatch and final certificate will not be generated, he said.
PHANA has submitted a report to tackle the Covid third wave. The State Government will discuss its suggestions with the technical advisory committee. We will implement all suggestions. Government is well prepared to tackle a possible third wave, the Minister added.