KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that the government has a target to vaccinate all eligible citizens by mid-April.

Stating that the new Omicron variant of coronavirus has added challenges in the control of coronavirus, he said that the citizens would be given booster doses against COVID by fully vaccinating all while pledging to establish holding centers in the border areas and ensure doctors in the health institutions.

The country has recorded a rapid rise in coronavirus infection in recent days signaling an immediate risk of the third wave.

PM Deuba held a consultation with infectious disease specialists and office-bearers of Nepal Medical Council and Nepal Medical Association regarding the control of the coronavirus on Saturday.

Doctors have suggested the government increase the scope of coronavirus tests, develop a dedicated COVID hospital in each district, ensure isolation centers, set up holding centers and manage sufficient human resources to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.