Rapid antigen tests and vaccinations were carried out at Bhokha Kharn in Latehar district’s Lundi village occupied by the Aind community, more than 110km from Ranchi on Sunday.

A team of eight including doctors Khalso Hansda and Rajesh Kumar, two ANMs, two sahiyas, SDO Rajesh Kumar and BDO Latehar Ganesh Rajak reached a hamlet of 25 households of the Aind tribal on the hillock of Bhokha Kharn with test and vaccination kits. Around 38 were tested and 21 vaccinated.

Among the 21 vaccinated, the majority belonged to the age group of 18 to 44.

BDO of Latehar, Ganesh Rajak said all tests were negative. The tribal villagers cooperated with the team putting aside all apprehensions.

According to sources, the deputy commissioner of Latehar, Abu Imran had asked the health and civil officials to carry out the programme at the hamlet since it has recorded two Covid deaths.

Rajak said a 45-year-old woman of this hamlet had died on Saturday of Covid while undergoing treatment at a centre in Latehar.

Twenty five households were given medical kits and the daughter of the deceased woman was given a CM Rahat Packet consisting of dry rations and Rs 2000 as compensation.

“Our chief minister has directed us to intensify health safety drives in the interiors of the state and so our officials trekked on foot braving all odds,” said Abu Imran

“The tribals waited eagerly for their turns to get tested and vaccinated,” he said.