Odisha: Ration card allowed as identification proof for Covid vaccination

By Express News Service
BHUBANESWAR:  In an enormous aid for folks dealing with hassle to get Covid shot attributable to lack of identification proof, the State authorities on Wednesday made it clear that ration playing cards with picture may be entertained for vaccination.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has allowed ration playing cards with picture issued by the State authorities below National Food Security Act (NFSA) as an official doc for vaccination. Additional Chief Secretary of Health PK Mohapatra stated the ration card, which has particulars like identify, gender, picture and age, can now be taken as prescribed picture ID proof for verification of beneficiary previous to the vaccination. 

“This will further improve access for BPL/Antyodaya category beneficiaries. The Ministry will make necessary provisions in the Co-WIN portal. The collectors and municipal commissioners have been directed to communicate the instruction to all programme officers, managers, vaccinators and verifiers for its implementation in the vaccination programme and create awareness in their respective areas,” he stated.

Earlier, there have been seven prescribed picture ID playing cards for verification of beneficiary and just lately Unique Disability ID Card (UDID) was additionally included. The State authorities has additionally requested 5 municipal companies to manage second dose Covishield to folks set to journey overseas for examine, job and sports activities occasions earlier than the mandated 84 days as per prescribed tips.

Meanwhile, as many as 1,56,473 folks have been administered vaccines by way of 1,151 session websites throughout 29 districts on Wednesday. There was no session in Puri district.