Odisha To Set Up Separate Covid Jab Sites For Vulnerable Groups

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to set up separate vaccination sites in district and town levels to facilitate inoculation of vulnerable groups of citizens bereft of any prescribed identity proofs required for registration in CoWIN portal.

According to a notification issued by the State Health and Family Welfare department on May 11, the additional Chief Secretary PK Mohapatra had directed all the Collectors and municipal commissioners to make necessary arrangements for vaccination of vulnerable groups.

“Make appropriate preparation such as identification of Distinct Nodal Officer, Key facilitators, CVCs site and identification and enlisting of such persons to be vaccinated,” the notification read. 

“In all the phases of COVID-19 Vaccination drive, it has been prescribed that the beneficiary must register in CoWIN portal for which identity & eligibility of the beneficiary through one of the seven prescribed ID proofs, but some vulnerable groups of citizens may not possess any of the seven prescribed identity cards. Such vulnerable persons may not be denied for COVID-19 vaccination for absence of identity proof.” the official notification said.

“Hence, there is a need to provide special consideration for COVID-19 vaccination of the vulnerable population. As these beneficiaries are also at risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection and the consequent squeal and outcomes of the disease during the pandemic. Such groups of people include nomads (including sadhu/saints from various religions), prison inmates, inmates in Mental Health Institutions, citizens in Old Age Homes, road side beggars. people residing in rehabilitation centres/camps and any other identified eligible persons aged 18 years or more, and not having any of above prescribed individual Photo ID Cards,” the notification stated.

Notably, the identity cards required for registration for Covid-19 vaccination are- Aadhar Card, Voter ID, Passport, Driving License, PAN Card, NPR Smart Card or pension document with photograph.