States to form panels for distribution of COVID-19 vaccine

NEW DELHI: Government of India asked states to make expert panels to supervise and manage the smooth rollout of COVID-19 vaccine. It will ensure that distribution is carried out with minimal disruptions in other healthcare activities. Centre addressed the issue of spreading rumours on social media which might affect the community acceptance of vaccine.

Rajesh Bhushan, Health Secretary, Government of India, suggested the state governments and Union Territories (UT) to set-up a State Steering Committee (SSC) chaired by Chief Secretary. He added that there should be a State Task Force (STF) led by Additional Chief Secretary or Principal Secretary (Health) and a District Task Force (DTF) headed by District Magistrate (DM).

The annexure by Bhushan says that SSC will ensure the participation of all the concerned departments and develop some innovative strategies for improving community engagement. This improve the coverage of COVID-19 vaccine once it is rolled out. The letter from Ministry of Health, Government of India states that introduction of COVID-19 vaccine will span over a year. It is important to create a proper advisory and coordination mechanism at state and district level for rollout of the vaccine.

The ministry has also asked for the constitution of committees at district and state levels to review preparatory activities like cold-chain preparedness, operational planning, strategies for geographically challenging areas with difficult terrains, etc. The STF will provide appropriate guidance including funding and operational guidelines fixing the time for district to plan and implement the introduction of COVID-19 vaccine.