India today launched the much awaited, world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination programme.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the programme through video conferencing. He said the largest vaccination campaign of the world is based on very humane principles and those exposed to maximum risk get priority. He said, India is expressing its gratitude to frontline Corona warriors by giving them priority in vaccination. The Prime Minister said India's fight against COVID 19 has been one of self-confidence and self-reliance.
Mr Modi said, in the year gone by, Indians learnt and endured a great deal as individuals, family and as a nation. Quoting the great Telugu poet, Gurajada Venkata Apparao, Mr Modi said a nation is not just soil, water and stones, but a nation stands for ‘We the People.’ He said corona has been fought with this spirit in India.
The Prime Minister stressed that this type of large-scale vaccination campaign has never been run before in history. He said all details will be taken care of by the Cowin App.
Mr Modi pointed out that India is vaccinating three crore people in the first phase. He praised those scientists who had been involved in making the vaccine against Corona for the past several months. Mr Modi got emotional while talking about the hardships faced by healthcare and frontline workers during the pandemic. The Prime Minister said scientists gave a nod to the two made-in-India vaccines after being sure of their effects, and asked people not to heed rumours and propaganda. Mr Modi said the Indian vaccines are much cheaper than foreign vaccines but are equally good.
Home Minister Amit Shah has congratulated all scientists on the launch of the vaccination drive. In a series of tweets, Mr Shah said, the world's largest vaccination campaign showcases immense potential of India's scientists and the power of our leadership. He added that this is the rise of a new Atmanirbhar Bharat on the global landscape.
BJP President J P Nadda said that this is a momentous day in the history of the nation. He said, Prime Minister is leading the country from the front, ensuring health services to all when they need it the most. He said, doctors, nurses, healthcare workers are the real heroes of the Largest Vaccine Drive. The BJP President said, vaccine will save from the Covid virus but one should support it by use of masks, frequent handwashing and maintaining physical distance.
Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan joined doctors and potential vaccine beneficiaries at AIIMS, Delhi this morning to participate in launch of the vaccine drive. A sanitation worker became the first person to receive COVID-19 vaccine jab at AIIMS. AIIMS Director, Randeep Guleria, Dr VK Paul NITI Aayog member health, were among those who received the vaccine jab.
Speaking to the media on the occassion, Dr Harsh Vardhan said India's fight against COVID 19 will be succesful with people's participation.