IMA asks 3.5 lakh members to get vaccinated first; asserts it stands with India's vaccines

Indian Medical Association (IMA) on Monday requested all its 3.5 lakh members in 1800 local branches to voluntarily come toger to get vaccinated first to show to world that "vaccines are safe and efficacious." In a statement, IMA said that after an extensive review of scientific data, indexed articles, expert panel reports and in discussion with IMA, ICMR and WHO experts, has decided to actively take part in mission of COVID vaccination programme rolled out by Government of India.

IMA to partner with Govt. of India for vaccines

IMA appreciated and congratulated hard work of Indian scientists, modern medicine doctors and Govt. of India for bringing out two Indian vaccines against SARS Covid-19. "All infrastructure facilities of IMA branches across country will be available voluntarily for this vaccination programme and all our members of Indian Medical Association will voluntarily serve with technical and supportive manpower," official statement said.

"IMA believes getting vaccination is t only to protect individual but also to bring herd immunity to community reby raising hope to control corona pandemic," it ded. Speaking to Republic, Dr Jayesh Lele who is Secretary-General of IMA also h a mess for those doubting India's vaccines, saying "Don't worry, doctors will be in frontlines. All precautions will be taken". 

With COVID-19 vaccination drive in India set to roll out on January 16, transportation of Covishield vaccine from Serum Institute of India's facility in Pune in Maharashtra is likely to start from evening of January 11.

COVID-19 vaccination to start in India on Jan 16

India will launch its COVID-19 vaccination drive from January 16 in what Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called world's largest iculation programme with priority to be given to nearly three crore healthcare and frontline workers. decision, government said on Saturday, was taken at a high-level meeting where PM Modi reviewed status of COVID-19 and vaccine preparedness across states and union territories.

"After detailed review, it was decided that in view of forthcoming festivals including Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Magh Bihu etc, COVID-19 vaccination will start from 16th January 2021," it said. After healthcare and frontline workers, priority will be given to those above 50 years of and under-50 population groups with co-morbidities, toger numbering around 27 crores, a government statement said.

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According to Health Ministry guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination, latest electoral roll for Lok Sabha and Legislative Assembly elections will be used to identify population d 50 years or more.

Prime Minister said that India will take a landmark step forward in fighting COVID-19 on January 16. "Starting that day, India's nationwide vaccination drive begins. Priority will be given to our brave doctors, healthcare workers, frontline workers including Safai Karamcharis (sanitation workers)," PM Modi tweeted.

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