Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday (May 30) said that the state has only 20,000-25,000 doses of vaccines left for 18-44 years age group at present.
CM Sarma today visited Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and took stock of the Covid treatment infrastructure and other related issues.
Later speaking to media, the chief minister said the state aims to inoculate around 30 per cent of its entire population by August 15 provided it receives the required doses.
“There are only 20,000-25,000 doses of vaccines left for 18-44 years age group. I spoke to the two companies (who supply vaccines) yesterday and they promised to send seven lakh vaccines doses for this group in June,” he said.
Sarma said with the next consignment of vaccines for the 18-44 age group likely to reach Assam around June 5-6.
CM Sarma said the pace of vaccination for the younger population likely to be slow in the first week of June and appealed to youths to have patience.
The chief minister said that inoculation drive of 18-44 age group people would speed up in the state after receiving the doses.
The chief minister said the state will receive seven lakh vaccines in June compared to 4.5 lakh received in May for the 18-44 age group.
He also said the vaccination for people aged 45 years and above will continue without any impact.
He also said there is strong possibility of Covid positivity and mortality rates coming down rapidly in the state by June 7 and the state government is leaving no stone unturned to control the pandemic.
CM Sarma said that GMCH has started administering DRDO’s 2-DG anti-Covid drug on 13 patients at the hospital while options are also being explored to use other such breakthrough drugs to reduce the hospital stay period of Covid patients.
The chief minister also informed that he discussed the matter of deputing doctors in the 300 bed Covid hospital being set up by DRDO at Sarusajai Sports Complex and the additional 200 ICU beds unit coming up at GMCH with the hospital authorities and senior doctors.
“Coming up of additional 500 ICU beds in Guwahati would greatly strengthen the Covid treatment system and posting doctors at the facilities remain a top priority for ensuring quality treatment,” he said.
He further thanked the people and organisations for contributing wholeheartedly to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund to make the vaccination drive truly a jana andolan (mass movement).
During his visit, CM Sarma also enquired with the doctors about the health condition of Rajya Sabha MP Ripun Bora and MLA Pradip Hazarika, who are undergoing treatment for Covid at GMCH.
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