100-cr mark likely by Oct 19; doses sent to neighbours
As India inches closer to the ambitious 100-crore Covid-19 vaccination mark, the Government has lined up a series of events, including announcements from ports, railway stations, bus stations, metro stations and airports to mark the massive success of the nationwide inoculation drive that was initiated on January 16.
In the meantime, after a pause of almost six months, India-made coronavirus vaccines have been sent to Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Iran according to the Government’s decision to resume their supplies, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said the Government has decided to send the supplies to countries in the neighbourhood initially.
Confident that there is enough stock of vaccines for domestic purposes, the Union Health Ministry expects India to reach the 100-crore milestone by October 19 or 20. Prime Minister Narendra Modi may also address the nation to thank healthcare workers for their immense contribution to India’s vaccine drive.
To celebrate the milestone, the BJP has asked its Ministers, MPs, MLAs, and party functionaries to attend events across the country.
The focus of the mega outreach plan would be States that will go to polls next year, including Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Punjab. The mega celebration will involve frontline workers, healthcare staff and Covid warriors, who died of the infection while playing a pivotal role in achieving the target of 100 crore doses.
