Bhubaneswar: The mentally ill persons who are institutionalised in mental health establishments will be vaccinated against COVID-19 on priority.
The Health and Family Welfare department has written to the collectors and district magistrates as municipal commissioners asking them personally monitor and ensure vaccination of persons housed in the mental health institutions.
The HFW department notification was in reference to the communication by the MoHFW regarding Near to Home CVC (NHCVC) for vaccination of elderly and differently-abled citizens, including medically disabled persons.
A NHCVC shall be set up on the premises of a mental health establishment for vaccinating inmates.
Any pregnant and lactating women housed in those establishments can also be vaccinated, stated the order.