Even as July 4 has been announced as departure date for the first batch of Hajj pilgrims from the Valley, the state government has so far received only a limited supply of vital vaccine, meningococcal, to be administered to these pilgrims.
“We need a total dose of 12,000 units of meningococcal, outof which only 3500 units have been received till date. The delay in receivingthe important vaccine is hampering the entire process of preparations,” sourcesin the Hajj committee said.
“After collecting meningococcal and other vaccines, they aresupplied not just to the Valley but other districts as well,” sources said.
Meningococcal used for prevention of meningitis and otherinfections is among the vaccines provided by a Punjab-based government-runinstitute, working under the aegis of the union health ministry. However,unlike previous years there has been a major delay in its supply this timearound, which has taken the Hajjis by surprise.
“It is very unfortunate that preparations for such a holypilgrimage is being taken for granted. The supply must be restored soon so thatwe are vaccinated on time,” said Ghulam Muhammad, a pilgrim from Budgam.
As per official sources, another vaccine given to preventseasonal influenza to the pilgrims above the age of 70 years has also witnesseda delay in its delivery.
When contacted, Muhammad Maqbool, Hajj Officer said theyhave communicated to the local health authorities regarding immediate need forprocurement of the required vaccines. “We are awaiting the supplies before wecan notify the dates and announce the vaccination schedule,” said Maqbool.Kunzes Dolma, Director Health Services Kashmirwhile admitting the delay, told Greater Kashmir that the supply of vaccines wason its way to the Valley. “In next 2-3 days we will be distributing thevaccines to all the districts so that vaccination process can take place soon,”Dolma said.