KATHMANDU: Minister for Health and Population Padam Giri directed the prompt management of booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines in view of the continued threat of the disease.

The infectious disease could spread into Nepal due to open border with India. So, it was urgent to manage booster shots, he said while inspecting the Department of Health Services.

“It has become late to administer the booster dose, and why there is a delay? Make the arrangements immediately for booster shots along with an action plan,” he said.

He also directed the concerned authorities to be responsible and maintain cent percent transparency in the process to purchase the medicine as the matter, he said, is very sensitive.

Giri urged them to make health institutions technology friendly.

The Minister stressed the need that people should feel changes in the health sector, advising the Department to ensure pro-people service.

He urged divisions under the Department to assess own weaknesses, focus on corrections, and make services prompt and transparent.

The Minister said he was updated on complaints that medical equipment allotted by the Department to hospitals largely remained unused due to various reasons.

He directed the bodies concerned to take stock of the situation and take action accordingly.

The Department Director General Dr Dipendra Raman Singh briefed the Minister on the department’s overall state of affairs.