New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with healthcare workers and beneficiaries of the COVID vaccination program in Himachal Pradesh today via video conference. Governor, Chief Minister, J P Nadda, Union Minister Anurag Singh Thakur, MPs, MLAs, Panchayat leaders, among others, were present on the occasion.
During the interaction, talking to Dr Rahul of Civil Hospital, Dodra Kwar Shimla, the Prime Minister praised the team for minimizing the vaccine wastage and discussed their experience about serving in a difficult area. Talking to vaccination beneficiary Dayal Singh of Thunag, Mandi, the Prime Minister inquired about the facilities of vaccination and how they dealt with the rumours regarding vaccination.
The beneficiary thanked the Prime Minister for his leadership. The Prime Minister praised the team efforts of the Himachal team. With ASHA worker Nirma Devi from Kullu, the Prime Minister inquired about her experience with the vaccination drive. The Prime Minister talked about the use of local traditions in helping the vaccination drive.
PM praised the model of dialogue and collaboration developed by the team and enquired how her team travelled a long distance to administer the vaccines.
With Nirmala Devi, Hamirpur, the Prime Minister discussed the senior citizens’ experience who thanked the Prime Minister for the sufficient supply of vaccine and blessed the campaign. The Prime Minister praised the health schemes running in Himachal. Karmo Devi ji of Una has the distinction of vaccinating 22500 people.
The Prime Minister praised her spirit as she kept on working despite a fracture in her leg. The Prime Minister said that the world’s biggest vaccination programme is continuing due to the efforts of people like Karmo Devi. With Nawang Upashak, Lahaul & Spiti the Prime Minister enquired how he used his position as a spiritual leader to convince people to take vaccines. Modi also talked about the impact of the Atal Tunnel on life in the region. Upashak informed about the shortening of the travel time and improved connectivity. The Prime Minister thanked the Buddhist leaders for helping in making Lahul Spiti the fastest adopter of the vaccination drive. The Prime Minister struck a very personal and informal chord during the interaction.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said Himachal Pradesh has emerged as a champion in the fight against the largest epidemic in 100 years. He added that Himachal has become the first state in India to have administered at least one dose of corona vaccine to its entire eligible population. This success has underlined the importance of Aatmvishwas and Aatmnirbharta, said the Prime Minister.