Vaccination for children will commence after Centre’s approval, says Health Minister Ma Subramanian

TN State Health Minister Ma Subramanian on Wednesday said that the State government would commence vaccination for children aged two years and above, once the Central government gives approval. 

Addressing the media after inaugurating a special neo-natal ward at a cost of Rs 1.5 crore in Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), Subramanian said that the State is prepared to vaccinate the children from 2 years to 18 years  after approval.

Stating that Coimbatore tops in vaccination coverage in Tamil Nadu, Subramanian said that 93 per cent of people have taken their first dose of vaccine and second dose by 37 per cent in the district.

“To reach out to the remaining population, vaccine on wheels scheme has been launched by deploying one vehicle in each of the five zones to vaccinate the people at their doorstep. Around 5.51 lakh people have been vaccinated in the district through the five mega vaccination camps,” he said.

Further, the minister said that even though Covid-19 cases have come down, the number of tests has not been reduced in the district. Around 7,121 persons were vaccinated in the district with private participation through CSR funds.

Pointing to welfare schemes such as ‘Satrey Kuraippom’ programme, which aims to create awareness among public to reduce intake of salt, sugar and oil, ‘No Waste- Share Extra Food,’ initiative that is meant to share excess food in hotels and marriage functions to the poor and needy people in coordination with NGO’s and reprocessing used oil to make biodiesel, Subramanian said that Coimbatore has been implementing all these three schemes successfully.

Responding to a query on the functioning of ‘Amma’ clinics, the minister said that it was a short term scheme and it has already come to an end. “ Health staff working in Amma clinics were now involved in Covid-19 prevention activities,” he said.

On reopening of temples during weekends, Subramanian said that Chief Minister MK Stalin has been holding discussions on the issue. He also said that the mandatory e-pass system for those coming from Kerala will continue to be enforced. Efforts would be taken to commence the vaccination drive for children from two years and above, once the central government grants approval.