600 specially abled inoculated on doorstep so far

Aparna Banerji

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, July 10

In continuation with its drive launched on July 5, the district administration has inoculated a whopping 600 specially-abled beneficiaries on the doorstep so far in the district.

From 50 people inoculated till July 8, the district outreach programme for specially-abled persons has touched an impressive number of 600 in a matter of two days. Notably, the district helpline for specially abled has received a total of 85 calls until today (it had received 58 calls until July 8).

However, notwithstanding the limited response from the helpline, the administration is using the database of the SMOs, DSSO and a network of ASHA and ANMs to reach out to specially abled even if they have not called.

As many as 290 people were inoculated in Adampur alone on Saturday followed by 180 in Jamsher, 30 in Shahkot and Lohian, 20 at Bara Pind, 20 at Shankar, 20 at Nakodar and 20 in Jalandhar urban. The specially-abled beneficiaries have been vaccinated as per the inoculation drive carried out by the respective SMOs. The respective SDMs are also monitoring the process.

More than 500 specially-abled beneficiaries were inoculated at homes on Saturday alone under the special vaccination drive initiated by the district administration.

While the DC had asked health and civil officials to accomplish this mammoth task within the stipulated time-frame, the Deputy Commissioner on Saturday said the administration had roped in ASHA and ANM workers to carry out this task effectively so that no eligible beneficiaries would be left out without vaccination under this special drive.

He said the list of specially-abled persons had been shared with all SMOs so that they could chalk out a comprehensive strategy to reach each one of them for inoculation against Covid-19. The DC said Asha and ANM workers were visiting door-to-door to trace the eligible beneficiaries and after verifying their credentials they shared the details with the medical teams, which subsequently reached the spot to vaccinate the beneficiaries.

The DC added, “The Adampur and Jamsher SMOs have done a commendable job. Since we were getting limited calls on the helpline, the data of specially abled has come in handy to carry out an effective drive. The purpose of the drive is to inoculate all the people who are unable to get out of their homes for vaccination. The drive would continue until all are covered.”

The DC reiterated that specially-abled beneficiaries could seek inoculation facilities at their doorstep by dialling helpline number 0181-2224417. Dr Reema, SMO, Adampur, said, “We have vaccinated a total of 290 specially abled people at Adampur in a single day. We would be reaching out to others in the coming days. The drive would prove to be a big relief for those who cannot go out but are willing to be vaccinated. The drive is receiving an overwhelming response. The beneficiaries were chosen as per the list available with us after a recent survey. Special teams went door-to-door to vaccinate the specially disabled. There are some families who expressed their reluctance to get inoculated, so they were not. Only they were made to sign a form saying they were refusing vaccination as per their own wish. Also, some of them preferred Covishied so they will be vaccinated when Covishield arrives.”

Senior Medical Officer, Jamsher, Dr RP Bains said as many as 180 specially-abled beneficiaries were given the doses of Covid-19 vaccine at their home in the last two days.

Senior Medical Officer, Jamsher, Dr RP Bains also said the list of such eligible beneficiaries was provided by the administration and all the listed persons were being approached by the health teams.

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