New Delhi: The COVID-19 vaccination drive was launched in Gujarat on Saturday by Chief Minister Vijay Rupani and Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel at the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad.
During the event, CM Rupani said, “16th January, 2021 is a historic day for the entire country. Prime Minister Narendra Modi initiated the country-wide vaccination and it is the beginning of the end of COVID-19 in India.”
CM Rupani appealed to people of the country to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and stay away from rumours, during the launch of vaccination drive in the state.
“I request you all to get vaccinated and not believe in the rumours. The vaccine will give you safety against coronavirus. Keep faith in our vaccines. The landmark launch of largest vaccination drive by Prime Minister Narendra Modi will define the victory over coronavirus,” Rupani said while addressing media during a press conference.
Gujarat receives 5.41 lakh Covid-19 vaccines in Phase-I
Around 5.41 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been made available to the state in Phase-1. Out of this, 4.40 lakh health workers will be vaccinated in Gujarat. More than 16,000 health workers will be vaccinated from 161 vaccine centres today. This will include medical, paramedical, nursing and sanitation workers. The Government of India has decided to includes such workers in Phase-1 for their relentless service during the crisis.
There are 17, 128 vaccinators 27,934 session sites and 2236 cold-chain points available in the state.
A number of reputed people from the medical fraternity and office bearers got themselves vaccinated in Ahmedabad to lead by an example.
The CM added, “There is no need to have second thoughts about the vaccine. I urge everyone to stay away from rumours and misinformation. Covishield is safe for everyone.”
Health workers were given a vaccine badge as a mark of identification.
The vaccination drive, which started today, has been conducted across the country. It used Co-WIN (Covid Vaccine Intelligence Work), an online digital platform developed by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which facilitates real-time information of vaccine stocks, storage temperature and individualised tracking of beneficiaries for COVID-19 vaccine.
A dedicated 24×7 call centre – 1075 – was also established for addressing the queries related to COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine rollout and the Co-WIN software.
