Odisha Has No COVID Vaccine, Centre Urged To Replenish Stock: Health Minister Naba Das

Bhubaneswar: Amid a surge in COVID cases in several countries and detection of new BF.7 variant in Odisha, Health Minister Naba Kishore Das on Wednesday said the state has no vaccine now and he will write to the Centre for fresh stocks.

Addressing a press meet in Bhubaneswar, the Minister said the state government has geared up to to deal with the situation and prevent any surge in COVID cases.

Stating that there is no stock of COVID vaccine in the state at present, Das said the Secretary-cum-Commissioner of the department has already apprised the Union Health Ministry on the matter.

“I will be writing another letter to the Union Health Minister requesting him to replenish our COVID vaccine stock,” the Minister said.

While vaccines are available at private hospitals, the government is hopeful of expediting vaccination in government medical centres soon, Das said.

On the steps taken by the state, Das said the government has issued a standard advisory to prevent any rise in the number of COVID cases in the state. The situation is well under control at present and not many cases are being reported now, he said.

The advisory puts emphasis on use of masks, self-isolation, hand washing, avoid public places, etc. This apart, fever clinics across Odisha will continue as they are. Senior officials of the Health department are on alert, he said.

Das said the Odisha State Medicine Corporation Limited has been asked to facilitate the procurement of necessary drugs and equipment on priority.

The Health department is set to make special arrangements for health safety and prevention of the spread of COVID at the venues of the forthcoming FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup.

A special team of doctors will be sent to Rourkela from Veer Surendra Sai Medical College and Hospital to monitor and oversee the health aspect in and around the Hockey World Cup venue, he said.

Stating that around 6,000 samples are being tested daily, he said less than 20 COVID positive cases are reported per day and the state is prepared to deal with any situation.