Ladakh became the first Union Territory to inoculate all residents as well as the guest population, which includes migrant laborers, hotel workers, and Nepalese citizens earning their livelihood there, with one dose of a COVID-19 shot. 

Despite Ladakh’s low population, this coverage was completed enduring the region’s challenging terrain, extreme weather conditions, and isolated centers of population, that are difficult to reach.

Overall, 89,404 individuals from all eligible age groups, including 18-44 years, received the 1st dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. The 2nd dose has been given to 60,936 individuals. This was achieved in less than 3 months of the initiation of the third phase of vaccination. A total of 6,821 Nepalese citizens staying in Ladakh were vaccinated.

A senior district official said that priority was given to hotel workers and to taxi or public transport drivers, who comprise the front-line of the tourism industry. Laborers and handymen come from other states in summer and were also treated as a priority group.

A widespread network of functioning primary health centers and healthcare workers experienced in mass vaccination programs as done against polio has helped to speed up the vaccination. The official also said that the administration of vaccines started in the 18-44-year age group even before it got formally approved. They had surplus vaccines, therefore instead of wasting the vaccines, they started administering as the government decided to vaccinate this age group.

The Center also ensured a steady and above adequate supply of vaccines, thus improving the confidence of healthcare workers and ramped up vaccination in spite of the difficulties.

Source: ET Healthworld