Just as the vaccination at both government and private levels for target groups is progressing with nearly 20 per cent of the target groups being covered, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has said that the campaign will be extended to blue-collar workers as well as undocumented residents who wish to get themselves vaccinated.
"Our vaccination programme is going in full vigour, and everyone irrespective of nationality or community is being given the privilege to be vaccinated. In a short span, we covered a huge population,” a ministerial representative said.
Various labour camps and other group accommodations are scheduled to be visited by the dedicated teams from the MoH and from the private sector hospitals to ensure that all are covered under the mass vaccination campaign.
“We understand the role, including the blue-collar workers in society and everyone's life is of great importance. We make sure to vaccinate several camps in many parts of the country including Sohar, Nizwa, Salalah with the support of the private sector," Dr Mazin al Khabouri, Director General of Private Health Establishments at Ministry of Health, told the Observer.
He added that the ministry talks with the various private hospitals to vaccinate more labourers free of charge and the discussions are currently on, and all will be covered in due course of time.
Private healthcare has taken more than 90 per cent of the vaccination load. They have been to various places that are not quite accessible.
They are part of the expansion of the vaccination programme, and it has a crucial role in vaccinating people along various phases.
We will have more areas, more opportunities and outlets for private organisations to vaccinate the people.
EXTENDING TO MORE AREAS
Speaking to the Observer on the sidelines of the opening of the 13th branch of Badr Al Samaa Group of Hospitals in Mabella, he said they have already started to vaccinate the blue-collar workers with the hospital. They have gone to Duqum, Muscat, Sohar, Salalah, and Mazyona, which is the border city free of charges.
"Also, we provide vaccine to all heathcare workers free of charges and a ministerial announcement of the programme for undocumented workers of Dhofar as Khareef season is beginning and in Souq Mawaleh those who don't have documents," he added.
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