Centre Asks States, Union Territories To Upload Data Of Health Workers On ‘COVIN App’ For COVID-19 Vaccination Drive

New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry has asked states and Union Territories to upload data of health care workers on its application – COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network (COVIN)–who would receive COVID vaccination on priority basis. The COVIN App, developed by the central government, is a key part of India’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout plan. Procurement, distribution, circulation, storage and dose schedules of the vaccine will be found in the COVIN App.

Also Read: Centre Has Plan To Vaccinate Around 30 Crore People For COVID-19 By July-August: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan

Government of India has initiated preparations for the introduction of COVID-19 vaccine, upon its availability. As part of the preparations, one of the activities is the creation of database of Health Care Workers (HCWs) who will be prioritised for COVID-19 vaccine. This database of HCWs is to be uploaded on COVID-19 Vaccine Intelligence Network (COVIN), reads an internal communication letter of the Health Ministry dated November 23 accessed by ANI.

The Ministry has also asked states to identify potential health workers who will carry out the COVID-19 vaccination drive.

Also Read: PM Modi Appreciates Scientists’ Efforts To Come Out With Vaccine Solution To Combat COVID-19

According to the letter, the persons who may be considered as potential vaccinators, provided that they are actively involved in day to day provision of clinical care to patients and have experience in administering injections through Intra-muscular, Intra-dermal and Sub-cutaneous routes included –MBBS Doctors, BDS Doctors, Staff Nurses (B.Sc Nursing), Auxillary Nurse Midwives (GNM, ANM etc.), Pharmacists MBBS interns and BDS interns.

Appropriate training of the potential vaccinators will be carried out before utilizing them for COVID-19 vaccination drives, the letter said.

Also Read: Indian Medical Association Offers Free Service For COVID-19 Vaccine Implementation Programme

Further, it mentions that,

The states may also consider retired personnel from above-mentioned categories, as applicable, that may be utilized to meet the demand for vaccinators.

A total of 10 vaccine candidates have been supported by Department of Biotechnology so far at both academia and industry and as on date, five vaccine candidates are in the human trials stage. The government has announced a stimulus package of Rs 900 crore for mission Covid Suraksha to promote indigenous vaccine development.

Also Read: Odisha Stands Prepared For COVID-19 Vaccination, Informs State Government To Centre

(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.