Covid vaccination drive begins in Goa

The Chief Minister attended the Video Conference by Prime Minister Narendra Modi along with Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Prakash Javadekar, who was in Goa for the inauguration of 51th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Secretary Health Shashank Mani Tripathi, IAS, and Goa Medical College (GMC) Dean Shivanand Bandekar were present on the occasion.
Appximately 700 healthcare workers were vaccinated with ‘Covisheild’ at seven centres in Goa, including GMC, District Hospital, Mapusa, Hospicio Hospital, Margao, Sub District HospitalS, Ponda and Chicalim, Manipal Hospital, Dona Paula and Health way Hospital, Old Goa. 

Chief Minister Pramod Sawant congratulated Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the noble move. He also congratulated all the beneficiaries for their co-operation. “This is a made-in-India vaccine. I congratulate the scientists at Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech for their efforts. Let us make this a huge success by lending our co-operation and support,” the Chief Minister said.

Speaking on the occasion, Health Secretary Shashank Mani Tripathi said, “Today’s vaccination drive will be a life changing event for all as we hope that with vaccine our lives will be back to normal. Goa is all set for the vaccination drives which will take place in coming future too. I urge all the front line workers to come forward and take a vaccine whenever you get a chance.”

Informing more about the vaccine, GMC Dean Dr Bandekar said getting vaccinated was a voluntary process.

“A person will have to register if he/she intends to get vaccinated. A certificate will be provided to each beneficiary post vaccination. The certificate has a lot of value especially if one is travelling abroad. It certifies that the person cannot be an asymptomatic carrier. Covishield vaccine is very safe, tried and tested. Two doses with a gap of 28 days will be given. Persons under the age of 18 and pregnant ladies are exempted from this vaccine.

Specialized training was given for three days to all those who are involved under this process,” he informed.

Dr Mohandas Pednekar, Medical Superintendent, who has supervised the programme of Vaccination at Asillo Hospital, Mapusa, agreed that the vaccination had received a huge response from the healthcare sector.

“The Second dose would be administered after 28 days. The beneficiaries will be informed through SMS. Each beneficiary is clearly explained about the dosage, its purpose. All the safety norms are being followed too,” he informed.

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