Gurdaspur fights odds to achieve 100% inoculation target by Nov 30

Ravi Dhaliwal

Tribune News Service

Gurdaspur, November 24

Health officials are fighting a rigid mindset, an abysmally low literacy rate and staff shortage to beat the deadline of vaccinating 100 per cent of the district’s population over the age of 18.

DC Mohammad Ishfaq is holding regular meetings to ensure the November 30 cut-off date is met with. It has been put in place by the central government under its ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ scheme.

Dr Vijay Kumar, officiating civil surgeon, said more than the staff shortage problem, it was the low literacy rate and an obstinate approach which were acting as an impediment. “We have already covered about 55 per cent of the population. The next week is crucial for us. We have formed several teams which have fanned out in the rural areas. It is a race against time but nevertheless we are on the job,” he said. An official admitted that villagers, particularly those living near the International Border, are being adamant in their refusal to get the jab. Trusted individuals have now been asked to educate villagers on the efficacy of jabs.