Chandigarh Administrator Banwarilal Purohit for maximum thrust on vaccination

Tribune News Service

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Chandigarh, January 6

In the wake of a rapid surge in Covid-19 cases, UT Administrator Banwarilal Purohit today directed the authorities to put maximum thrust on vaccination, while reviewing the measures in place to control the contagion.

Hundred per cent population in the age group of 15 to 18 years should be administered the first dose of the vaccine within a month. Simultaneously, in the same period eligible beneficiaries in the 18 plus category should be jabbed for the second dose, said the Administrator, adding that the vaccination might be carried out on a war footing.

“It has been brought to my notice that most of the testing burden as of now is on the PGI, which needs to be rationally divided among various health facilities,” said Purohit. He directed the Heath Department that facility for RT-PCR tests should be made functional at the GMSH-16 by the end of the month.

Creating testing infrastructure in Sector 22, 45 and Mani Majra hospitals could also be explored, Purohit directed the Secretary Health.

Updating incomplete Covid testing data on the requisite portal resulting in projection of high-positivity rate was taken up seriously by the Administrator. “Incorrect data can cause undue panic in public. It obstructs research of scientists working on different aspects of the third wave of the pandemic and will mandate imposition of uncalled for restrictions,” said Purohit. He directed the health authorities to rope in more data entry operators for immediate uploading of data on the portal.