Advisor Ladakh, Umang Narula who is also the Chairman of State Steering Committee, for COVID-19 vaccination in Union Territory of Ladakh, convened a review meeting regarding the smooth distribution of COVID-vaccine across the Union Territory, here. A detailed discussion was held regarding the collection of data from various stakeholders and other requirements such as cold chain maintenance and storage facilities, transport of vaccine, syringes availability, adequate and suitable vaccine administration personnel, locations for vaccination while respecting the cold chain, etc. Advisor Ladakh directed the members to provide this data to the Health Department within the shortest possible time and also asked each Agency to appoint a Nodal officer for coordination purposes. Keeping in view the timely delivery of vaccines to the remotest areas Advisor Ladakh directed that a coordinated plan be prepared by the both Districts with the Air force to ensure safe delivery of vaccine to the snow bound areas in the region. Earlier, Nodal officer Dr. Tashi Namgail made a Power Point Presentation and briefed on the various major tasks that are expected to be undertaken to carry out vaccination in UT-Ladakh. He also shared that, in order to roll out the Covid-19 vaccine in the country, the eVIN app will be fully repurposed and a faster, better app named as CoWIN Swill be used to ensure last mile vaccine delivery of the COVID-19 vaccine. The CoWIN app will digitally track stocks of vaccines and help stakeholders access data on availability, procurement and keep track of beneficiaries who have been chosen/will receive the vaccine. He further explained that as per guidelines of the Government of India, first priority would be given to Healthcare Workers (Government and Private Sector) and frontline workers from various Agencies. After the presentation, members discussed various issues and shared their opinion to seamlessly and successfully implement the vaccination program. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary GAD, Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Commissioner Secretary Health, Rigzin Samphel, Secretary/ Divisional Commissioner Ladakh, Saugat Biswas, Administrative Secretary, Ravinder Kumar. Additional Director General of Police S.S Khandare, Inspector General of Police, ITBP, Deputy Commissioner Leh and Kargil, SSP Leh and Kargil, GOC 14 Corps, Air Officer Commanding 21 Wing, Director Health, representatives of CISF, CRPF through video conference.
