Dry Run for COVID-19 Vaccine Successful in Guwahati

The dry run for the vaccine of coronavirus was conducted in all the state capitals and union territories of the country on Saturday, January 2

Guwahati: The dry run for COVID-19 vaccine introduction was successfully conducted in Kamrup (Metropolitan) on January 2.

The dry run of coronavirus vaccine was organised in three of the hospitals of the city. They are Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Khanapara State Dispensary, and Sonapur District Hospital. The dry run was conducted from 9 AM onwards on Saturday.

The Mission Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), Dr Lakshmanan S supervised the activity in GMCH and Khanapara State Dispensary. Dr Achuyt Kumar Baishya, the Principal cum Chief Superintendent of GMCH along with Sharmistha Bora, the ADC (health) of Kamrup (M) were present during the exercise in GMCH.

Meanwhile, Munindra Nath Ngatey, the Director of health services (FW) Assam, and Dr Ganesh Saikia, the Joint Director of health services, Kamrup Metro checked the dry run in Sonapur District Hospital. On the other hand, Dr Binita Goswami, the Joint Director (UIP) was present at the Khanapara State Dispensary.

In the dry run sites, the representatives of NPSP WHO, UNICEF, UNICEF, SPO UNDP and NHM DPM, DME, DDM, DPC and DUHC were also present.

The main objective behind the COVID-19 vaccine dry run is to assess the operational feasibility in the use of Co-WIN application in a field environment. This is also done to test the linkages between planning and implementation and to identify the challenges and guide way forward prior to actual implementation. The dry run of the coronavirus vaccine is expected to give confidence to programme managers at various levels.

Another prime focus of the dry run is to manage any possible adverse events following immunisation (AEFI). In addition, adherence and management of infection control practices at the session site, to prevent disease transmission. The mock drill also includes concurrent monitoring and review at the block and district levels and preparation of feedback.

Furthermore, the State Task Force will review the feedback and share with the Union Health Ministry later.