Women lag behind in registration

Nationwide vaccination drive, which started on February 8, is underway in the fight against Covid-19. It was noticed that women are lagging behind in comparison to men when it comes to registering for the jab. So far, more than 28 lakh people, over 40 years, have registered at the time of filing this report. Of these, 63 percent are men while 37 percent women. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Health said at the beginning of the program that a website and cellphone app will soon be launched for the vaccine registration. However, although the registration started through the website, the app was opened on Thursday for health workers only. People aware of the matter said, the Android app called ‘Surokkha’ is yet to be ready for the mass registration.

On January 27, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the pilot immunisation program at Kurmitola General Hospital in the capital through video conferencing. On that day and the next day, 567 people were vaccinated in different five hospitals in the capital. 

So far, there were no major side effects detected among the vaccinated person after the mass vaccination activities started across the country from February 8. However, the Android app for vaccination is not yet ready. As a result, the Surokkha website launched on the afternoon of January 27 is the only place for registration. 

Speaking on the reason behind less women registering for vaccination, Corona Prevention National Technical Advisory Committee (CPNTAC) member and former Vice Chancellor of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Professor Nazrul Islam said, "Women are lagging behind in accessing healthcare in the country. The fact that the registration is low is a reflection of that.”

“However, registration can be increased if special campaigns are organised for women and initiatives are taken to raise awareness among the people,” he added.

Professor Dr. Nasima Sultana, however, thinks there is no need for separate programs for women. 

"Registration is open to everyone. Even, there are no separate plans for women," said Sultana, who is serving as the Additional Director General (Administration) of the Department of Health.  

Meanwhile, it was found that registration in villages is much less than in cities. The capital, divisional cities and districts are at the forefront, according to the Department of Health's Medical Information Services (MIS) and the Department of Information and Communication Technology. They say that Dhaka division is leading in terms of number of registrations while Mymensingh division is lagging behind among the divisions.