Udhagamandalam: The state government will again float a global tender for vaccines as its earlier tender, which ended on Saturday, did not attract any bidders, health and family welfare minister Ma Subramanian said here on Sunday.
The minister reviewed the Covid situation in the Nilgiris district.
Accompanied by forest minister K Ramachandran, Subramanian inspected the upcoming medical college building in Ooty and the newly installed 6KL oxygen unit at the Government headquarters hospital.
Later, he inaugurated a vaccination camp at the Chemmanatham tribal hamlet falling under the Masinagudi panchayat.
Speaking to reporters, the health minister said, “For the tribal population in the Nilgiris, vaccination drives are being conducted at their doorstep.
Of the total population of 177 in the Chemmanatham hamlet, 152 are above 18 years of age.” All 152 were vaccinated on Sunday.
He said, “Once the vaccination drive is over, the tribal hamlet would be declared as the first tribal village in the state to be completely vaccinated.” Of the total population of 27,032 tribals in the Nilgiris, the number of eligible tribal people for vaccination (above 18 years of age) stands at 21,435, Subramanian said, “As many as 3,129 tribal people have taken their jabs so far.
By June end, all the eligible tribal population would be vaccinated.” The minister said, “The Ooty GH is functioning with all facilities at par with government hospitals in Chennai.
It is a self-sufficient hospital with no shortage of oxygen.” Later, Subramanian launched a vaccination camp for estate workers at Chembala tea estate near Gudalur.
At least 150 estate workers were vaccinated on the day.
The minister also inspected the Kokkakadu containment zone in Gudalur taluk.
He said, “Tamil Nadu will receive 42 lakh doses of vaccine before June.” He warned private hospitals against deviating from government-prescribed norms while treating Covid patients.