Goemkarponn desk
PANAJI: Even as the State Chief Minister has decided to extend the “Tika Utsav” COVID19 vaccination drive upto April 30, there are reports of the state falling short of the vaccines supply from Centre.
The Chief Minister Dr pramod Sawant announced on twitter, “The #COVID19 Vaccination Drive has been going on at great pace in the state of Goa. Urging citizens to keep up the momentum inorder to attain 100% vaccination of the eligible citizens. The #TikaUtsav has been extended till 30th April 2021 in Goa”.
However, the doctors and the Directorate of health Services are in jeopardy where to get the vaccines from.
A doctor speaking to Goemkarponn on condition of anonymity said, “the stocks of vaccines will last only about 8 days. If we do not get supply in next few days, we will run out of stock.”
He said it was encouraging to see that the demand for vaccine is growing with Tika Utsav but it is also worrying that there are not enough stocks.
However, when Health Minister Vishwajit Rane was contacted for his comments on whether there is any shortage of vaccines in State, he replied in one word “NO”.
It is now learnt that the State has written to the Centre for supply of more vaccines.
While the Tika Utsav is in full swing, the no of COVID19 cases also continue to be on the high, so much so that Goa has once again crossed the 5000-cases mark.
Goa has also seen four deaths in a day after a long time on Wednesday.
Stating that there is no shortage of vaccines in the State, Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant urged all eligible to come forward and get vaccinated.
Speaking to reporters, Sawant said that there was no shortage of vaccines and the State has enough stock.
He said all eligible must come and take the vaccine shots.
“If all people above the age of 45 are Vaccinated, 50% of the Goan population will be secured,” he said.
“Government has taken a major step in creating awareness. Youth should take the forefront in this pandemic. Step out of the house only when necessary and avoid all large gatherings,” he said.
