
Ration dealers demand priority in vaccination
The Hindu
‘Procedures at shops constantly expose them to the risk of infection’
Over 14,200 ration dealers, who serve 90.45 lakh card holders across the State, have demanded that they be considered ‘frontline warriors’ in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic and allotted vaccine on priority basis. “Ration licensees and sales personnel are constantly exposed to danger because they are continuously in contact with people who come to take delivery of their supplies,” said B. Rahuleyan, Cherthala taluk secretary of the Kerala State Retail Ration Dealers’ Association. The demand for priority vaccination has been raised with the State authorities, he said, as he pointed out that the government had not considered their plea so far.
The Union and State governments provided support in several ways to the needy people, but private institutions should also extend help, especially to those requiring medical assistance, said C.P. Rajkumar, Managing Director, Nalam Multispeciality Hospital, here on Saturday. Speaking at a function to honour Inspector General of Police V. Balakrishnan and neurologist S. Meenakshisundaram with C. Palaniappan Memorial Award for their contribution to society and Nalam Kappom medical adoption of Type-1 diabetic children, he said the governments implemented numerous welfare programmes, but the timely help by a private hospital or a doctor in the neighbourhood to the people in need would go a long way in safeguarding their lives.












