Centre Urges States To Set Up Committees For Smooth Rollout Of COVID-19 Vaccines

New Delhi: The Centre asked the states to construct panels to coordinate and look after the COVID-19 vaccination drive and ensure minimal disruptions in other healthcare services.

The government also emphasised on the importance of rumour tracking and dispelling on social media platforms that could impact the community acceptance of COVID-19 inoculation, according to news agency PTI.

In a letter to the states and Union territories, the Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan suggested that states should set up state steering committee (SSC) chaired by the chief secretary, a state task force (STF) led by Additional Chief Secretary or principal secretary (health), and a district task force (DTF) to be headed by the district magistrate, the website reported.

The letter, which had an annexure attached, outlined the reference terms for the various committees. According to the annexure, the SSC will ensure active involvement of all departments concerned and form innovative strategies to improve community engagement (‘Jan Bhagidaari’) for better coverage of COVID-19 vaccine as and when it is available, the news agency reported.