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NEW DELHI: The government has mandated that the vaccination drive conducted by private and state entities at the “workplace” will be limited to employees with even their family members barred from using the facility.
Several companies and industry bodies are taking up the issue with the government for a possible review following a communication from the ministry of health and family welfare to the state governments, along with detailed guidelines.
Although the letter refers to the facility being limited to employees in the over 45-year bracket too, industry chambers as well as corporate entities said they were unaware about the existence of such norms.
Besides, the letter also refers to an amendment to some of the guidelines with the earlier prescription not clearly available on the ministry’s website. As a result, several companies have sought a clarification from the government.
“Even if it was applicable, people could have got an appointment in other centres, but now it’s impossible in the18 year-plus segment,” said a company executive.
Wednesday’s communication will not impact corporate tie-ups with hospitals but will have a bearing on vaccination initiatives lined up across offices, an industry source told TOI. The effect is expected to be more in smaller towns and cities where companies were organising these drives due to the absence of hospital chains.
“This is really confusing since the government has reached out to us to vaccinate our employees and even communities associated with companies,” said a functionary of a leading industry body. While the health ministry didn’t provide a reason, industry executives blamed vaccine shortage for the diktat. Companies fear that many may opt out of the drive given that their family members will be without a jab.
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