Ensure all HCWs get jabbed, GMCH-32 asks dept heads

Chandigarh, April 12

The Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Sector 32, has issued a letter to heads of all departments to ensure that all healthcare workers (HCWs) are vaccinated during ‘Tika Utsav’.

The letter issued by the Director-Principal reads, “In compliance with the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, all categories of staff and students of the GMCH/MHI/College of Nursing, Chandigarh, are hereby directed to get themselves vaccinated under the “Tika Utsav” drive immediately.”

“As the compliance report is to be submitted to the higher authorities by tomorrow, all HODs, including MS, JDA, branch in-charges, CRs of all classes, contractors, supervisors, etc., have to ensure that all staff/students get themselves vaccinated by Monday evening. Staff members and students, who are on leave, must also be informed regarding this drive,” it reads further.

However, some healthcare workers of the hospital say the directions for ensuring vaccination to all stands against the very mandate of the government that vaccination is a “voluntary” exercise.

Dr Jasbinder Kaur, Director-Principal of GMCH-32, said: “We are not forcing anyone for vaccination. This is a voluntary exercise, but the HoDs have been told to call each and every healthcare worker and counsel them for vaccination.” — TNS