SHILLONG, Dec 12 - The Meghalaya Government has decided to inoculate 25,000 health care workers first once the COVID-19 vaccine is available in the country.
The State Director of Health Service, Aman War, said that health care workers would be the first candidates to get the COVID-19 vaccines. He said that there are at least four vaccines in the world that have passed the crucial third stage of testing, and that the vaccine would be available next year.
War held a press briefing along with specialist doctors over the present COVID-19 situation in the State.
Replying to a query, he said that the health workers have an insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh. War allayed fears over inoculation, stating that the vaccine would be made available when it is safe.
War said there have been no discussions over the price of the vaccine. He, however, added that the Government would take a decision once the vaccine is available, whether it could be provided to the people of the State under the Meghalaya Health Insurance Scheme.
He stated that if the situation so arises that people have to be vaccinated mandatorily, there are several Acts in place like the Epidemic Disease Act and the State Disaster Management Act which can be invoked, if required.