Private clinics in Oman see increased footfall for COVID-19 vaccines

MUSCAT: Private clinics have started administering COVID-19 vaccination doses which has been widely welcomed by the residents.

Earlier, Oman’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has announced that the health care workers will be given free Sputnik vaccine at Badr Al Sama clinic in Ruwi and Al Khoudh, from 8am till 7pm. The health care staff were required to present their resident card and MOH licence. Those eligible for this round were all doctors, nurses, dentists and paramedical staff.

While that phase saw batches of medical staff getting their jabs, more clinics have joined the fray in opening their facility for general public for COVID-19 shots. Apollo Hospital has started registering for COVID-19 vaccination since Wednesday.

Sandip Mahajan, working with a leading automobile dealership company says that he rushed to Apollo when he received the message about registration. “There were quite a few people who were there to register for the jabs. Right now they are offering AstraZeneca for 22 riyals (Dh210) for two doses. They told me I would be called next week for the shots.”

Another hospital, Adlife, is giving AstraZeneca jabs for those above 45 years as walk-ins. Sumona Bhatt, says she had heard about the hospital giving the vaccination and had gone to register for herself. “But after registration was completed, they asked me if I was okay with taking the injection today itself. It didn’t take much time for the entire process and the good thing is they are open even on Fridays. I have informed many of my contacts and they are planning to go today or tomorrow. When it comes to jabs like this, people don’t wait for a free turn and I am glad this option is finally open.”