Working to resolve issues of long vaccination queues: Dr. Nazla

Spokesperson for the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) Dr. Nazla Rafeeq has stated that public health authorities are working to resolve prevailing issues with long vaccination queues, despite vaccination times already having been extended in the month of Ramazan.

Dr. Nazla made the remarks while speaking to press on Sunday, noting that authorities were aware of difficulties and delays being faced by the publics in vaccinating against Covid-19. Dr. Nazla added that the national Covid-19 vaccination programme was being conducted with support from many organizations, and that they had been facing difficulties in operations during the fasting month of Ramazan.

When questioned about alleged preferential treatment for some at vaccination centers, Dr. Nazla stated that there were no policies to prioritize vaccinations for persons affiliated with certain groups. However, she added that all those above the age of 60 would be fast-tracked for vaccinations at vaccination centers as per present procedures.

As more residents are due for their second dose of the Covishield vaccine, long queues have been popping up outside vaccination centers in the nation's capital in recent day. Public health authorities extended vaccination times between 9pm and 11:45pm during the fasting month, but have not been able to resolve the issue of long waiting times before vaccinations which have left some unable to receive their doses of Covid-19 vaccines.

Those looking to vaccinate in the Male' area have been faced with long queues during the fasting month, and many have been reported to leave before receiving their vaccine doses due to these delays. The Health Protection Agency (HPA) have received criticism for these prevailing difficulties, and have been working to resolve them for the convenience of those looking to vaccinate against Covid-19.