The Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) will soon launch 10 mobile vans to expedite Covid19 vaccination in different parts of north Bengal.

Sourav Chakraborty, the SJDA chairman, said: her on Wednesday that Chandrima Bhattacharya, the junior health minister of state, in her recent visit to north Bengal, had instructed the SJDA to take the task of augmenting the vaccination process in the region. “We have decided to introduce 10 airconditioned mobile vans from the second week of this month which will roam across north Bengal, including the hills, Terai and Dooars. People who are yet to get first or second dose can reach out to these vans and get themselves jabbed.”

According to Chakraborty, the vans will be stationed in 10 different towns of north Bengal. Every day, the vehicles, along with trained staff, will move into different areas, especially rural belts, where majority of the people are yet to be vaccinated.

“Each vehicle will have a doctor and two nurses on board. All necessary health protocols would be followed during the drive,” said a source.

Initially, the vans will move in places like Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, Nagrakata, Malbazar, Maynaguri, Dhupguri, Falakata, Birpara, Banarhat and Alipurduar. “Gradually, the vehicles will also ascend to the hills and move in places like Darjeeling, Kurseong, Kalimpong and Mirik,” the source added.

The SJDA officials said the facility will ease vaccination of senior citizens and physically challenged people.