Ganjam plans doorstep vax for elderly, disabled

BERHAMPUR: After launching doorstep collection of swab samples, the Ganjam district administration is now planning to roll out ’vaccination on wheels’ to inoculate people at their doorstep, particularly the elderly and physically challenged who are unable to visit the vaccination centres.
“We are working out an initiative with the Berhampur Municipal Corporation (BeMC) and very soon this will be launched in BeMC areas, most probably on Monday,” said Ganjam district collector Vijay Amruta Kulange.The vehicle for the purpose is already ready, he added. “The aim is to extend the vaccination programme and to cater primarily to those who are unable to reach the centres for different reasons. Moreover, this will help to maintain social distancing. We want to make Berhampur a fully vaccinated city,” Kulange said.
On Centre’s reservation about doorstep vaccination, as informed by the Union government to Bombay high court, Kulange said the Centre must have thought on a national perspective. “However, we will take steps that works for us. We are only targeting a section of the people, who are unable to come to the vaccination sites, like those who are bed-ridden and unable to walk. They also have the right to free vaccination,” the collector said.
According to BeMC commissioner Sidheswar Baliram Bondar, around 40% of eligible population (18+) has already been vaccinated in the civic area. “Till Friday, as many as 1,36,088 people above 18 years have got their first dose out of around three lakh people in this age group,” Bondar said.