Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday described, in his monthly radio talk “Mann Ki Baat”, the second Covid-19 wave as a “storm” that has “shaken the nation” but sought to assure that the Central Government has put its “entire might” to assist State Governments in their efforts to win the battle.
Prime Minister said to emerge victorious, this time around, all should accord priority to “scientific and expert advise”.
“After successfully tackling the first wave, the nation’s morale was high. However, this storm (2nd wave) has shaken the nation,” said Modi who during his talk interacted with a range of medical professionals and even an ambulance driver, and listened to their experiences on the ground zero of Covid-19 and took their suggestions.
Those who spoke to the Prime Minister told him how available medicines are able to reduce the impact of coronavirus and that “vaccine hesitancy” among people had
considerably reduced following the spread of awareness and counseling.
Prime Minister, on his part, said his Government is doing everything to help out States in their efforts to tide over the 2nd wave of the pandemic.
“The Government of India is applying its entire might to give a fillip to the endeavours of State Governments. The State Governments too are trying their best to fulfill their responsibilities”, said the Prime Minister.
In his 76th episode of radio programme Modi suggested that the pandemic had returned with a vengeance.
“I’m speaking to you at a time when Covid-19 is testing our patience and capacity to bear pain. Many of our loved ones have passed away. After successfully tackling the first wave, the nation’s morale was high and it was confident. But this storm (second wave) has shaken the nation,” he said.
Modi said vaccination is the right guard against the coronavirus and stressed the need to get vaccinated by all.
From May first youngsters above the age of 18 would also be able to get vaccinated.
Prime Minister asked people to not to get swayed by the rumors about vaccines.
“In this period of Corona crisis, all are getting aware of the importance of vaccine … so it is my appeal that don’t get swayed by any rumor about the vaccine. You all must be knowing that people above 45 years of age can benefit from the free vaccine that has been sent to all state governments by the government of India”, he said.
Modi said now the corporate sector companies too will be able to participate in the programme of administering vaccine to their employees.
Stating that “free vaccine programme would continue in future”, he asked the States to extend the benefit of this free vaccine campaign of the government of India to maximum number of the people of their State.