NEW DELHI: The government plans to significantly ramp up delivery of vaccines, number of immunisation sites as well as private sector participation to roll out the next phase of vaccination drive against Covid-19 to inoculate people above 50 years of age and those with co-morbidities. The government is also set to launch the version 2.0 of the Co-WIN digital App for self registration of vaccine beneficiaries above 50 years of age.
The details of the plan were presented to the principal secretary to PM at a high-level meeting on Wednesday. The cabinet secretary, health secretary, secretary (pharmaceuticals) and CEO (national health authority) were also present.
For the next phase, the government plans to increase immunisation sessions four to five times of the current 10,000-11,000 sessions that are being conducted per day.
Besides, many more private hospitals are expected to join the drive going forward. At present, about 2000 private hospitals are engaged in the vaccination drive.
“First preference has been accorded to health personnel & front-line workers. Next in line will be the 50-plus population and those with co-morbidities for whom efforts are on to start the vaccination process in two or three weeks,” the health ministry said.
India has administered over 91.86 lakh doses of Covid vaccines till Wednesday evening. This includes first dose of the vaccine to over 61.79 lakh health workers and 26.64 lakh front-line workers. Besides, 3.42 lakh healthcare workers have also received the second dose of the vaccine.