JOIN USUK rule of 10-day quarantine for those vaccinated in India discriminatory: Government
India and the UK have begun discussing issues surrounding the controversies related to the recognition of Covishield certification in the absence of which Indian travelers will have to undergo mandatory quarantine on arrival in the UK.
“Excellent technical discussions with R S Sharma (CEO, National Health Authority). Neither side raised technical concerns with each other’s certification process. An important step forward in our joint aim to facilitate travel and fully protect public health of UK and India,” tweeted Alex W Ellis, the British High Commissioner to India.
Dr. Sharma reciprocated saying, “This will be instrumental in resuming socio-economic activities between India and UK. We also look forward to deepening ties between the NHA and its UK equivalent (NHSX) as we collaborate to build a digital continuum of healthcare services.”
The forward movement in resolving the contentious issues comes in the wake of India taking up the matter strongly with the UK. The row is likely to figure in the bilateral talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his UK counterpart Boris Johnson in New York.
Asked about the UK rule of 10-day quarantine for those vaccinated in India, top officials of the Union Health ministry said it was a discriminatory practice.
"We believe the dispensation that is proposed to be implemented from October 4 is a discriminatory practice. Both the sides are in dialogue and we believe a resolution will be found. We do reserve the right to reciprocate in a similar manner," said Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan.
With India administering more than 84 crore doses, the ministry has decided to inoculate the bed-ridden patients and disabled individuals at home. Officials have been asked to prepare a list of such persons who cannot go to their “Near to Home” vaccination centres. More than 16 crore shots were administered in those centres.
Bhushan asked the states to ensure that vaccines are not wasted while conducting such a home-based vaccination strategy, and all other procedures including the adverse effect- monitoring are followed diligently.
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