Covid vaccination begins in Kiphire, Longleng

Dimapur, Jan. 18 (EMN): The Covid-19 vaccination drive began in Kiphire and Longleng on Monday, two days after other districts of Nagaland started the exercise along with the rest of the country.

Government officials had earlier informed that the inoculation drive for Kiphire and Longleng districts had to be delayed due to internet issue. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has allotted 670 doses for Kiphire and 660 for Longleng, out of the state’s share of 26,500 Covishield doses to be administered to healthcare workers in the first phase.

The Medical department launched the Covid-19 vaccination drive at District Hospital Kiphire (DHK) in the presence of district administration, police and public leaders, informed an update from CMO office.

Deputy Commissioner of Kiphire, Ajit Kumar Ranjan said at the event that the arrival of vaccine in the district was welcome news for everyone but expressed concern over people becoming complacent and many refusing to take the jab as fear for the pandemic reduced.

However, he urged the people to take the vaccine, citing long-term effects of the Covid-19 infection. The DC emphasised on dissemination of proper information to the general public regarding the vaccination and urged the media, civil society organisations, and church leaders to sensitise the public.

The medical superintendent of DHK, Dr. Bendangsenla Ao, and the district programme officer (RCH/UIP), Dr. K Pewezo Khalo also appealed to the people to come forward and take the vaccine.

Dr. Bendangsenla Ao received first shot of vaccine in the district. Altogether, 24 persons from Kiphire Sadar were vaccinated on the first day, it was informed.

In Longleng, the inoculation drive was conducted at four sites — District Hospital, Tamlu PHC, Yongnyah PHC and Yachem PHC – in the presence of district administration and NGOs, according to Chief Medical Officer of the district.

Welcoming all the beneficiaries, vaccinator officer and vaccination officers, Dr. Imnameren Phom, DPO (RCH/UIP), said it was a privilege for healthcare workers to get the vaccine first.

Medical Superintendent, Dr. Lhouvizotuo Belho appealed to all the staff to avail the jabs and spread awareness about the advantages of the vaccine amid rumours and misconceptions around it.

“Out of 104 beneficiaries target planned for the district, 87 beneficiaries availed the vaccine,” read the update, adding that ‘the beneficiaries were kept in the observation room for 30 minutes and no adverse effect’ was reported.