Centre asks states to prioritise COVID19 vaccination for beggars, homeless destitutes
The central government has directed all the states and Union Territories to prioritise vaccination for beggars, vagabonds, and homeless people. A targeted approach could be adopted to cover those who may not have access to self-registration and lack resources for vaccination.
The Centre has said the vaccination drive is people-centric and provisions have been made to make it accessible to all eligible groups. Photo: @DistAdmKeonjhar/twitter
The central government has asked the states and the Union Territories across to prioritise COVID19 vaccination for the most vulnerable groups such as beggars, vagabonds and destitutes, in the ongoing nationwide vaccination drive in the country.
The central government has said the vaccination drive is people-centric and provisions have been made to make it accessible to all eligible groups irrespective of their socio-economic status.
In a letter issued to the chief secretaries of all states, Rajesh Bhushan, secretary (health and family welfare) urged to seek help from nonprofits and volunteers for this purpose.
“Concerned Departments of the State Government may take the help of NGOs/CSOs and public spirited citizens/volunteers in this endeavour. Special session may be planned for conducting the vaccination for this group of persons,” he said in the letter dated July 29.
Bhushan highlighted that there is a need to keep the focus of COVID19 vaccination on the most vulnerable groups to ensure vaccination is equitable and accessible to all.
He also pointed out that the vaccination of destitute and vagabonds who may not have access to self-registration and lack resources for vaccination need to be facilitated. “State/ UTs may adopt a targeted approach to cover this group,” he said.
“The ministry has already advised all States/ UTs for providing Covid vaccination to such group of people like beggars, nomads, people residing in rehabilitation camps, etc. while sharing the SOPs regarding vaccination of persons who do not possess prescribed identity cards,” stated the letter.
Therefore, the states and UTs have also been requested to direct their concerned Department of Social Justice & Empowerment and Health to work together to facilitate vaccination of destitutes, beggars and vagabonds.
Recently on July 27, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Centre and the Delhi government on a plea seeking rehabilitation and vaccination of beggars and homeless people amidst the COVID19 pandemic.
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