Health Ministry Seeks Suggestions from States to formulate New Guidelines for International Travel

Union Health Ministry has sought suggestions from States and Union Territories (UTs) to formulate new guidelines for international travel. The suggestions were sought by Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary during a review meeting. He reviewed the progress of COVID19 vaccination with Health Secretaries and NHM MDs of States and UTs, through video conference (VC) on Monday. One of the largest such exercises globally, the countrywide COVID19 vaccination programme was launched on 16th January 2021 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Health Ministry has issued various SOPs over the last one year for International Travel. It is in the process of reviewing the guidelines in consultation with all stakeholders including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Bureau of Immigration, Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of External Affairs. States/UTs were also requested to share their suggestion or feedback.   

Highlighting that the nation is close to administering a billion doses, Health Secretary congratulated the States/UTs on their effort to vaccinate all citizens. It was highlighted that a sizeable number of beneficiaries who are eligible have not received their 2nd dose. States and UTs were urged to focus on these second vaccination dose.

It was pointed out that many States have adequate doses to vaccinate those people who are awaiting their 2nd dose. Government of India is in a position to provide additional vaccine doses to the States/UTs so that they can complete the aforesaid task. They were also exhorted to improve the momentum and accelerate the vaccination drive.

States and UTs were advised to identify and prioritize districts having low coverage for focused action and explore requirement for mobilization efforts, addressing local challenges, need for additional Covid Vaccination Centres and improving access in rural areas. They were also requested to share their strategies to enhance second dose coverage.

 

With the administration of 87,41,160 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 98.67 Crore as per provisional reports till today. In the last 24 hours 13,058 new cases were reported. Daily New cases reported to be lowest in 231 days now.Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.14%. Recovery Rate is currently at its highest peak since March 2020.