The third phase of vaccinations for those between 18 and 44 began in Jharkhand on Friday in 496 centres across the state with chief minister Hemant Soren inaugurating the initiative from the Administrative Training Institute here around noon.
In Ranchi, the district administration has set up five centres each in rural and urban pockets. Deputy commissioner Chhavi Ranjan said all these sites were new ones to avoid any confusion. “We are appealing to people to strictly follow the process, ie, they should register on the Co-WIN app first before taking the jab. Out of turn vaccines will not be allowed,” he said.
On Friday, urban vaccination centres witnessed a steady footfall since morning. At Seventh Day Adventist School in Bariatu, there were about 100 people before the start of the drive at 11am. Mahesh Kumar, who is pursuing his MA in arts from Ranchi University, was among the first to get the jab. “I got registered on Thursday morning and was lucky to get the jab easily today (Friday). However, the rush is so high in the city that till May 20, all slots are now booked as my friends couldn’t find any slot this morning,” he said.
Hemant also inaugurated a PSA oxygen gas plant at Sadar Hospital in Sahebganj district in the Santhal Pargana commissionary. A week back a similar plant was commissioned in Khunti from the MPLAD funds of local Lok Sabha MP and Union tribal affairs minister Arjun Munda.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren while inaugurating the free vaccination program for beneficiaries above 18 years in Ranchi on Friday. Picture by Manob Chowdhary
Hemant said the state government was administering the vaccine free to everyone between 18 and 44 years of age and encouraging youngsters to avail of it without any hesitancy. “I appeal to everyone to come forward to get themselves vaccinated. Even after taking vaccination, please continue maintaining Covid appropriate behavior.”
Among the others present at the inuguration of vaccination drive and the PSA plant, held at different venues, were state health minister Banna Gupta and several senior officials.
According to the state government, 2,34,400 doses of Covishield and Covaxin were distributed across 24 districts for starting the third phase of the inoculation exercise, which was to begin to May 1 but got delayed due to vaccine shortage. Compared to urban distrcits, a few rural districts were allocated more doses given that the infections are spreading faster in the villages.
For example, Dumka was given 39,910 doses of both vaccines, the highest allocation among all districts. It was followed by Palamau (39,730), Giridih (32,340) and Garhwa (17,200). Among urban centres, Hazaribagh was given 26,710, Dhanbad (23,270), Ranchi (16,140), East Singbhum (9,640) among others.
A health department official said once the state received more doses, allocations would be increased. “The current allocation was made on the basis of high infection rates in certain pockets. Some vulnerable rural areas were also considered,” he said.
The oxygen plant at Sahebganj hospital would ensure seamless supply to its 50-bed Covid hospital. Officials said that the plant can generate 5000 litres of oxygen per hour. During the inauguration, Hemant said the government was trying to set up one oxygen plant in every sadar hospital in the district.