A vaccination drive for the inmates was sought by the Meghalaya Inspector General of Prisons, M Kharkrang in a written format to the state government.

The Meghalaya Health Minister was met and apprised by Kharkrang regarding vaccination to the inmates. There was no plan of releasing any inmates, he added. No inmates have tested positive for COVID-19 yet. “Doctors are on standby. If a situation arises, we will handle it accordingly,” said Kharkrang.

Kharkrang informed that the inmates can choose to take the vaccine by themselves, “It will not be made mandatory”.

There are five district jails in Shillong, Tura, Nongpoh, Williamnagar and Jowai.

Health minister AL Hek said that a vaccination drive needs to be carried out soon, stating that the matter would be taken to higher authorities. After getting a clearance, the vaccination would start from Shillong following other prisons across the state.

Hek also informed that inmates are presently not allowed to meet family members to avoid any contact. The inmates are allowed to contact their families via phones as in person visiting is not allowed.