Shillong: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Tuesday said that the State Government has paid the vaccination cost to the manufacturing company for 42,000 vaccines which will reach the state within few days time.
Vaccination for 18-44 age group in Meghalaya is yet to begin.
“Pleased to inform all citizens that the Government of Meghalaya has decided to give free of cost vaccination to each and every beneficiary,” Sangma tweeted after chairing a daily review meeting on the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic in the State.
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister, Prestone Tynsong said that they aren’t exactly sure when the vaccines would arrive, as there is a shortage of vaccines around the country.
“We have made the payment to the manufacturing company and it’s expected the vaccines would be arriving soon,” Tynsong said, adding that the State Government have paid Rs. 300 for each vaccine
“We (government) have not decided when the vaccination process would start for the 18 years and above group and how they would use the first batch of supply,” the Deputy Chief Minister informed.
He, however, said the vaccines for the 18-44 category, would be provided at the government hospitals.
“We would be reviewing the situation on a daily basis and would take a decision appropriately,” Tynsong said.
Meanwhile, the State Government has assured the general public that there was no shortage of essential commodities in the State and therefore there was no reason for panic.
“We have taken a review as far as the availability of essential commodities. I would like to inform all citizens of the state that we have enough stock of essential commodities. They need not panic as the government is monitoring the situation closely”, Tynsong said.
He informed that the Central government has sanctioned additional allotment of rice or “free rice” under PMGKAY for the months of May and June and lifting of rice has started and distribution will take place within this month itself.
The rice is allotted 5 kg per head to families falling under AAY, PHH categories, he said, adding, “We have ordered wholesalers to lift from the different go-downs and distribute the same within this month”.
