A review meeting for logistics and infrastructure required for distribution of COVID-19 vaccine in UT Ladakh was convened by Advisor Umang Narula on November 21.

Commissioner/Secretary, Health, Rigzian Sampheal; Director Health Services, Ladakh Dr. Phunsog Angchuk; State Nodal Officer, Immunization (SIO) Dr. Tashi Namgyal, and Chief Medical Officer Leh Dr. Motup Dorje were present. 

Rigzin Samphel gave a detailed presentation of the available manpower, logistics, and facilities including cold-chain storage, transport facilities, and vaccinators. He also appraised the certain additional requirements of facilities that need to be arranged for facilitating the Health Department in making both districts Leh and Kargil ready for vaccine rollout. 

Umang Narula directed the officers to make a formal request to the Ministry of H&FW to prioritize Ladakh UT in the first phase of arrangements keeping in view the limited period of road connectivity left before the onset of winters in the area. The chair also impressed upon the officers to have sufficient cold chain storage facilities at each Health Centre with ensured power supply. 

The officers were asked to work in close coordination and to make a timely reviews with all the stakeholders to ensure the smooth rollout of the vaccine in each and every part of the UT. 

Later, Commissioner/Secretary convened a follow-up meeting with the Health Officials with regard to the effective implementation of the directions issued by the Advisor and guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India.