Watch: Health workers wade through gushing river to carry out Covid vaccination in J&K

A team of healthcare workers waded through river water on their way to carry out a Covid vaccination drive at a remote area in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district setting an example of determination to fulfil their duty.

A video shared by news agency ANI shows the team members crossing the river with a cold box used to store vaccine doses.

At first, two women and a man are seen wading into the river that is flowing at their knee-level. The three are seen holding each other as they wade through the water to reach the other side. Close on their heels are two more health workers, one of whom is seen carrying a cold box.

Dr Iqbal Malik, medical officer for Kandi block in Rajouri district, said that an extensive vaccination drive was carried out in the block on Friday. “The aim is to vaccinate 100 per cent of the population against Covid even in far-flung and inaccessible areas,” Dr Malik said.

The video got a thumbs-up on the social media, with many praising the dedication of the healthcare workers.

The video also plays out against the backdrop of Jammu and Kashmir’s impressive performance in the Covid immunisation exercise. As per data released on Friday, the Union Territory has vaccinated 71.93 per cent of its population above 45 years, with three districts — Shopian, Ganderbal and Jammu — achieving 100 per cent vaccine coverage in this age group.

Jammu and Kashmir on Friday reported 1,723 new Covid cases and 34 deaths over the past 24 hours. The active case count in the Union Territory stands at 29,615.