The government has cancelled leave of health workers until February 10 as Bangladesh is set to roll out a nationwide Covid-19 vaccination campaign from the next week.
Health workers across the country will not be able to leave their workplaces during that time, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Director General Dr ABM Khurshid Alam said on Monday.
The decision came at a virtual meeting with civil surgeons, upazila health officers and directors of medical college hospitals, he added.
The vaccination program is set to officially begin in all districts and upazilas on February 7, and a trial run has been already held in five Dhaka hospitals, when 567 people were inoculated.
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The vaccination campaign would remain closed on public holidays, said the DGHS chief.
More than 20,000 people have so far registered online to get the jab, he said before adding: "Spot registration facilities will be available for those who could not register online."
Responding to a query, Khurshid said the DGHS is yet to be informed formally about any issue over giving Covid-19 vaccine to Hungary or other countries.
On Sunday, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shariar Alam told the parliament that Hungary and Bolivia have sought Covid-19 vaccine from Bangladesh.
Hungary sought 5,000 vaccines and it will be given, he said.
"Bolivia also sought vaccine from us. The prime minister and the Health Ministry will take decision regarding the matter," he added.
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On January 27, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the country's vaccination campaign.
Bangladesh received 7 million doses of the vaccine, 2 million as a gift from India free and five million as part of a contract with the Serum Institute of India.
The government plans to inoculate 80% of the country's population. According to the national vaccine distribution and preparation plan, the doses will be administered in five stages under three phases.
