Priority to those waiting for second dose in Telangana; first dose temporarily suspended

Hyderabad: Telangana government has decided to administer second dose to beneficiaries on priority in a bid to complete the vaccine cycle of the vast population in the state.

"There are over 19 lakh individuals in Telangana who have already received the first dose and are waiting for the second dose. The government has decided to accord priority to such individuals in May. The problem with the vaccination drive is that demand is higher than the supply. However, in a couple of days, the issue will be resolved. Priority will be given to vaccination above 18 years," said Dr. Srinivas Rao, Director of Public Health.

He appealed to the people to have patience and assured them that COVID infections will reduce in 2-3 weeks. "Covid positive cases could reduce in 2/3 weeks with citizens' cooperation and ongoing containment efforts by the government. I appeal to the people to postpone functions, avoid being in groups, restrict weddings to 100 people, use double masks outside, use single masks inside homes, and wash hands regularly," he said.

Rao said doctors, nurses, and supporting staff are working round the clock to fight the pandemic. "Take medicines and go for vaccination Officials are working hard to ensure the infection is contained and people remain safe," he said.

Director, Medical Education, Ramesh Reddy said new ICU wards with Oxygen supply are being added to TIMS and Gandhi Hospital. "Also, 13,500 more beds are being set up in public healthcare facilities across Telangana. 100 beds each are being added to different hospitals on a war footing," he said.

Reddy said a committee has been constituted to check the misuse of Remdesivir injection.

"The committee will approve and provide Remdesivir for those who need it in hospital settings. Few doctors are misleading patients with certain medicines which might damage post-COVID recovery. Also, patients from districts should avoid coming to Hyderabad for treatment. We have upgraded medical infrastructure in districts," he said.

Telangana puts off immunization drive for new beneficiaries

Telangana government has decided to suspend the immunization drive for new beneficiaries following the shortage of vaccines in the state. Official sources said no one will be administered the first dose till May 12.

Earlier, Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao reviewed the COVID vaccination program. He took note of the meager allocation of the COVID vaccine to the state. During his conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, KCR had requested him to provide a minimum of 2 lakh doses per day.

In order to optimally utilize the available doses (4.69 lakh of Covishield and 2.16 lakh of Covaxin), it has been decided that priority will be accorded to those people who are eligible for a second dose.

The eligibility period for taking the second dose will be 6 weeks for those who have been administered Covishield. It will be 4 weeks for those who received Covaxin. All persons eligible for the second dose have been allowed to walk in and receive the jab.