Leh/ Dec 30: The Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Leh Advocate Tashi Gyalson convened a high-level review meeting regarding the preparedness of health dept, Leh in smooth distribution and vaccination of Covid-Vaccine across the Leh district in coming months at Council Secretariat Leh today.

 A detailed discussion was held regarding the identification of vaccination session sites with setting up of a waiting area, vaccination room, observation room and other requirements such as cold chain maintenance and storage facilities across the district at the time of vaccination.

While inquiring about the arrangements of Health department in dealing with vaccine reaction cases in far-off villages, CEC Gyalson was told by the doctors that every protocol will be ensured during the vaccination and said that a team of vaccine team along with doctors will remain at all the villages during vaccination with Adverse event following immunization (AEFI) kits. And depending on the internet services, the patient will be observed through eSanjeevani’ digital platform by expert doctors at national and district level online.

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CEC Gyalson stressed upon all concerned to gear up with preparation in the successful implementation of COVID-19 vaccine in the district which may rollout any time in the coming months.

Earlier, Nodal officer Dr. Tashi Namgail gave a detailed PowerPoint Presentation about the GoI’s guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination and said that out of the total 1,16000 local population of Leh district 20 % population will be covered in 6 months for which 8584 doses of COVID vaccine are required per month. Doctors informed the meeting that Leh district has 23 number of storage facilities for vaccines in Leh district at different locations and has a total 1829 ltrs storage capacity in Leh district with space capacity for 396893 vaccine doses.  The district and block-level training for all the stakeholders are going on these days for vaccination programs. Informed by the doctors in the meeting.

Later, CEC also reviewed the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) scheme being implemented in UT Ladakh under which every family will get Rs 5 lakh annual insurance. Director Health, Ladakh Dr Phuntsog Angchok said that there will be no restrictions whatsoever on the family strength. He said that there are about 23,000 hospitals across the country where the scheme can be availed. The insurance scheme will be implemented through the Bajaj Allianz General Insurance Limited and the insurance premium will be borne by UT Ladakh.

The meeting stressed on improving internet facilities across the district to ensure smooth COVID-19 vaccination with the use of Co-Win app, monitoring through eSanjeevani and registration of Leh citizens under AB PM-JAY online. CEC Gyalson said that without proper internet facilities the vaccination and registration under AB PM-JAY online seem difficult and said that he will take up the issue at the highest level.  To ensure maximum coverage of families under ABPM-JAY, the meeting also stressed on considering the latest ration cardholder data of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs for ABPMJAY registration. 

Executive Councillor for Minority Gh. Mehdi raised the issue of ambulance service for Bogdang upon which CEC directed the Health Dept, Leh to arrange a reliable ambulance for Bogdang. Establishment of the already sanctioned blood bank at Sub District Hospital Diskit and PHC Khaltsi was also discussed during the meeting.

CEC Gyalson announced ex gratia of Rs Rs. 50,000/- to the family of one Covid Warrior of Health Dept, Leh who succumbed to death recently while performing his duty and expressed heartfelt grief and condolences with the family members of the deceased warrior.

Meanwhile, CEC highly appreciated SNM Hospital Leh, and especially Surgeon Dr. Padma Diskit for performing rare Neurosurgery successfully at SNM Hospital Leh recently with limited resources. 

The meeting was attended by Dy. Chairman Tsering Angchuk, EC Minority Gh. Mehdi, SSP, Leh Rajiv Pandey, ADC Leh Sonam Chosjor, Councillor Panamik Tsering Sandup and concerned officers and doctors.