Tanahu, Aug. 19: Chief Minister of Gandaki Province, Krishna Chandra Pokharel, has expressed commitment to ensure anti-COVID vaccines to all 1.5 million people above 15 years in the province.

At a programme organized by the district coordination committee Tanahu here on Thursday, CM Pokharel reminded that 800 thousand people were vaccinated in the first round and 300 thousand in the second round.

He however said the vaccination drive was delayed as the provincial government was not allowed to procure the vaccine on its own. "Vaccines for free of cost is the first priority of the provincial government," he reminded, adding that efforts were underway to set up oxygen plants in district hospitals and increase bed capacity.

Pokharel argued that the provincial government was ready to fight the imminent third round of the coronavirus. He also urged the subordinates to send the details of the houses which suffered damage by the flood and landslides to the provincial government so that they would get the relief amount of Rs 100 thousand.

The flood and landslide wreaked havoc more in Manang, Gorkha, Lamjung and Tanahu. CM Pokharel said the service delivery would be monitored in view of good governance practice.

On the occasion, Chief District Officer Sagar Acharya informed CM Pokharel about the human and physical loss caused by the monsoon-related disaster in the district