As the coronavirus vaccine drive concludes its first-month operations, Mumbai's low target achievement and high infection count is raising concern among health officials. Trudging at a slow pace, the maximum city has been able to administer the COVID-19 vaccine to less than 50% of targeted beneficiaries in due course of time. As a result, the vaccination task force has now opted for an ultimatum for the beneficiaries in order to improve the stride of inoculation. Reportedly, each health worker will get 3 chances to receive the vaccine jab, post which their slot will be pushed down.
Limited chances to get the COVID-19 vaccine in Mumbai
In a meeting of the coronavirus task force with the hospital heads on Monday, it was reinstated that healthcare workers will now be offered only 3 chances to turn-up at vaccination centres to get the jab. This requisition has been imposed to boost the rate of target achievement in Mumbai, which dropped to 31% on Monday.
While the initial low turn-out ratio was traced to glitches in the malfunctioning Co-Win application, a general sense of hesitancy to get the vaccine shot has continued since the launch. This, in turn, has hampered the drive with most beneficiaries not-turning up at vaccination centres during the scheduled slots. Though the vaccination jab is voluntary, it is imperative to boost antibody growth and immunity against the pandemic.
Systematic approach to help health task force to make the vaccine available to more people
The Additional Municipal Commissioner of the BMC has stated that this is not an attempt to force people to get the COVID jab, however, after these 3 chances, the slots of these beneficiaries will be further pushed down. This systematic approach will help the health task force to make the vaccine available to more people, without wasting too much time on healthcare workers. The AMC also pointed out that the slots will only be pushed down and not omitted.
Private hospitals are undergoing training today to prepare themselves ahead of the session on Thursday. While 21 institutes have shown readiness to undertake the programme, others will kickstart the drive in the coming days, read reports.
