NEW DELHI, Jan 9: The prime minister Narendra Modi called the launch of Covid-19 vaccination drive on January 16 a “landmark step forward” in fighting the pandemic that has taken more than 1.50 lakh lives in the country.
In a twitter message after the union health ministry announced the final date of launch of the mass immunization drive, Modi said “On 16th January, India takes a landmark step forward in fighting Covid-19. Starting that day, India’s nation-wide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including Safai Karamcharis,”
On January 3, the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI) had granted approval for the Covid-19 vaccines of the Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use.
The Prime Minister had earlier chaired a meeting to review the coronavirus pandemic situation in the country along with the preparedness of the states and Union territories for the vaccination drive. The meeting was attended by the principal secretary to PM, health secretary, cabinet secretary and other senior officials of the government. During the meet, Modi was also provided information with regard to the Co-Win app and the dry runs conducted across the country.
The PM is also scheduled to hold a virtual meeting with all the chief ministers and administrators of the union territories on January 11 to finalise the arrangements in the states and UTs to undertake the massive operation which the government had earlier stated would be ever bigger and more meticulous than holding the general elections.
(Manas Dasgupta)