India to begin vaccine dry runs across the country from January 2

The centre today asked all states and UTs to conduct vaccine dry run on January 2 to ensure effective preparedness for the vaccine roll out. Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan held high-level meeting to review the preparedness at session sites for Covid-19 vaccination with principal Secretaries (Health) and other health administrators of all States/UTs through video conference.“The activity is proposed to be conducted in all State Capitals in at least 3 session sites; some States will also include districts that are situated in difficult terrain/have poor logistical support,”the ministry said in a statement.Maharashtra and Kerala are likely to schedule the dry run in major cities other than their Capital.So far dry run has been conducted in four states.“The objective of the dry Run for COvid-19 vaccine introduction is to assess operational feasibility in the use of Co-WIN application in field environment, to test the linkages between planning and implementation and to identify the challenges and guide way forward prior to actual implementation,” a senior government official said. The planning for the vaccine introduction will be according to the operational guidelines issued by the Ministry.For each of the three Session Sites, the concerned Medical Officer In-charge will identify 25 test beneficiaries (healthcare workers). The States have been asked to ensure that the data of these beneficiaries is uploaded in Co-WIN. These beneficiaries will also be available at the session site for the dry run. The States have also been asked to ensure physical verification of all proposed sites for adequacy of space, logistical arrangements, internet connectivity, electricity, safety etc; prepare at least three model session sites in each State (at State capital) for demonstration; ensure that the Model Sites have separate entry and exit in a ‘three-room set-up’ with adequate space outside for awareness generation activities; display all IEC material at these sites; ensure that all SOPs and protocols are being practiced at the identified sites in an ideal environmentalong with vaccination teams to be identified and trained in all aspects. “The dry run will also equip the State and UT administration in management of vaccine supply, storage andlogistics including cold chain management, the statement added.

from Economic Times https://ift.tt/37YTnZ5