COVID-19: IMA suggests limited period continuous lockdown for non-essential areas

The Indian Medical Association on Tuesday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking six demands, including vaccination for all citizens over 18 years and the implementation of a limited period continuous lockdown for non-essential areas including cinemas, cultural-religious events and sports. IMA President Dr JA Jayalal wrote in the letter, also marked to Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and Niti Ayog Member (Health) VK Paul, that despite the efforts of the Government and medical fraternity, the pandemic is surging.

The letter puts forth six demands, including that all citizens above 18 years of age be permitted to receive Covid vaccination, and walk-in Covid vaccination is made available for all, free of cost, at their nearest possible place. They also requested that a district-level vaccine task force team be constituted to enforce mass vaccination, monitoring and mitigating adverse drug events. It also sought that vaccination certificates be made mandatory for entering public spaces and receiving rations under the public distribution system. The letter, additionally, recommends that it would have a positive impact for private sector family clinics to be included in the vaccination drive with private hospitals.