Residents of North Garo Hills have expressed their disappointment at the fact that only one centre in the entire district is carrying out vaccination of those between 18 and 44 years.
“Given the situation and how difficult it has become for people to move between places, it is extremely difficult to get vaccinated at this time, especially with there being only one centre, Resubelpara. This has to change so that those in the 18-44 age group can also be covered by vaccination,” said Gokul resident, Bappun A Sangma.
Bappun earlier raised this matter with the district authorities but there has been no move on the part of the government so far.
While the district has been one of the less-affected in terms of Covid-19 infections, residents fear the situation could change any time given the virulent nature of the virus.
“Cases are being reported from even rural areas and this is a huge concern. Another concern is of people trying to register on the COWIN app. It is not only extremely difficult to get through but, even if you do, you still have to travel from far-flung areas as the PHC (public health centre) or CHC (community health centre) near you does not cater to your age group. How much more frustrating can it get?” asked another Kharkutta resident, AM Marak.
The situation for those from Kharkutta and Adokgre poses a bigger challenge as they are more than 50 kilometres from Resubelpara and need to travel through Assam just to get there; this route could be stopped at any time given the growing number of cases in Assam.
Furthermore, with public transport halted, it has become extremely difficult for those that do not have vehicles of their own to move to Resubelpara to get their jabs.
Currently North Garo Hills has eight centres catering to vaccination, all of which, with the exception of Resubelpara, are meant for those above 44.
The District Medical and Health Officer, Dr S Boro, said that the number of centres will be reworked next week. However, there are currently not enough vaccines available to make it worthwhile to open up more centres for the 18-44s.
“The response has been good and all those who are booking are coming to the centres to get vaccinated. We still have a shortage of vaccines, which should be resolved next week after which the situation for vaccination will improve,” Dr Boro said.
