Action plan to tackle third wave

Health Dept. will increase treatment facilities and daily vaccinations to 2.5 lakh

The Health Department will increase treatment facilities in hospitals and daily vaccinations to two to 2.5 lakh people under a new action plan for tackling the COVID-19 third wave if it hits Kerala. Production of medical oxygen also will be stepped up under this plan. Health Minister Veena George convened a meeting on Monday to discuss strategies for dealing with the third wave if it materialises. The department aims to increase the number of vaccinations administered daily to two to 2.5 lakh people. Availability of vaccine doses, staff, and facilities need to be ensured, the Minister said. The department plans to launch a registration drive for people who are not familiar with the online registration process for vaccination. The Minister directed officials to ensure that the inoculation drive progresses smoothly on Sundays and other holidays. Treatment facilities in the hospitals, including medical colleges, will be increased as part of the action plan. The cooperation of private healthcare establishments will be guaranteed in this regard, the Health Department said on Monday.