Hundreds of front line health and sanitation workers were administered the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine after Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a nationwide vaccination drive dedicated to the corona warriors across different district headquarters of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The main function was attended by the Lt-Gov Manoj Sinha here in Government Medical College Hospital in Jammu. Sanitation worker, Raju, was administered the first dose in the presence of senior Health department officials and GMC staff. Along with him several senior doctors received the first dose of the vaccine.Similarly, health workers were administered the first dose of the Covid 19 vaccine in SKIMS, Srinagar.
Terming the occasion as a historic day in the fight against Covid pandemic, Lt Governor said he was delighted that the wait for this much-awaited vaccine has finally come to an end.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt Governor recalled that COVID-19 pandemic was a big challenge for humanity and governments alike, and to steer out of this challenge was an uphill task, adding that the Coronavirus vaccine is only possible due to the untiring efforts of doctors, medical experts, scientists, and researchers.
Lt Governor informed that the vaccination would be given in three phases covering Health Care Workers followed by frontline workers (security forces, police, and other defense personnel) and elderly people in the initial phases.
Lt Governor urged people to remain vigilant and follow all Standard Operating Protocols (SOPs) even after taking COVID -19 vaccine shots, with zero room for complacence until 14 days after the second dose is administered to them.
Lt Governor termed the launch of vaccine for coronavirus eradication as a ‘golden chapter in India’s history’ and said that the day is an important event that would be remembered for generations to come.
While detailing about the vaccination programme, Lt Governor said the government has identified 1294 private and 1177 government facilities along with 5400 vaccinators and 14,481 potential vaccinators across J&K.
Giving further details about the vaccination drive, he said that in J&K, 28 lakh have been identified who will be given Covid vaccine in the first and second phase on priority.