Hetauda, Jan. 20: Minister for Health and Population (MoHP) Birodh Khatiwada has said that the nation would not face shortage of vaccines against COVID-19.
Minister Khatiwada, who reached Hetauda after visiting Terai districts by leading an execution team of the vaccination campaign, said on Wednesday that the anti-coronavirus vaccines were in stock with the government and procedures were underway to bring in additional vaccines.

He also directed the authorities to carry out the inoculation drive by expanding the scope of vaccination centres. Receiving information about the preparations made by the Bagmati Province government for the prevention, control and treatment of COVID-19, Minister Khatiwada said that the vaccines should reach every nook and corner of the country in order to mitigate the risk of the pandemic.
He said, “It is the need of the hour to increase vaccination rate by framing an effective plan of action.”

Recommending the authorities to fully enforce the health and safety standards against COVID-19, Minister Khatiwada said, “As we have enough vaccines, the stakeholders are directed to start administering additional (booster) doses to the target group who have already received their full dose.”
Minister Khatiwada also clarified that the government would not impose a lockdown to completely halt the economic activities of the public.

“The government is not willing to impose restrictions immediately and stop all economic activities. It is imperative to keep the economy mobile while fighting the pandemic,” he added, directing the Bagmati Province government to keep all healthcare infrastructures including isolation centres, oxygen plants, ICUs and HDUs among others in a ready position.
Speaking at the programme, Chief Minister of Bagmati Province Rajendra Prasad Pandey assured that budget would not be short in its battle against COVID-19.

“Also, the vaccination campaign will be successful only with the help of all stakeholders and the public,” said CM Pandey.
He added that the government would continue the developmental works by taking preventive measures against the virus.

Similarly, Nima Lama, Health Minister of Bagmati Province briefed about the measures taken by the province-level COVID-19 Management Committee.