NRCS support to COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign: voices from volunteers

When one entered the premises of Janamatri Hospital of Balaju Kathmandu it looked calm and peaceful, the usual scene of any hospital. When one reached the waiting area, colourful chairs were arranged where the COVID-19 vaccine aspirants could wait for their turn after taking a token number. Immediately after the entrance, there was a registration desk managed by the hospital to register the details of the people being there for being vaccinated. There was also a desk for a preliminary check-up where a paramedic was busy checking up one of the elderly person who was taking the vaccine. Inside, there was a room for vaccination where another paramedic was providing vaccines to the elderly. Throughout the process, there were three volunteers wearing white jacket and cap with Red Cross logo working actively.

The Red Cross volunteers were serving continuously from 7 March 2021, since the second round of vaccination campaign to the people of 65 years and above launched in the country.

Bishwo Raj Shrestha, one of the Red Cross volunteers, er who was actively supporting the campaign said “due to the collaboration with the local authorities, hospital management and Nepal Red Cross, it’s being easy to manage the crowd gathered for the vaccination. We are implementing the token system for the vaccination. In addition, NRCS volunteers are providing various supports such as mobility through wheelchair for people with disability or people having the problem for mobility”.