Triumph of science, enterprise, collective spirit of India: PM Modi as India crosses 100 crore vaccination milestone

Congratulating people on the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said history has been created by India.

"We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat," he congratulated the nation on a Twitter post.

According to the government's CoWin website, over 70 crore people have been administered the first dose while 29 crores have received the double doses.

The top five states which have administered the highest number of doses are Uttar Pradesh followed by Maharashtra, West Bengal, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

Congratulating the people and healthcare workers, Dr VK Paul, Member (Health) at NITI Aayog, said it's remarkable to reach the 100 crore dose mark for any nation, an achievement in just over nine months since the vaccination program started in India.

He, however, pointed out that around 25 per cent of the eligible population are yet to receive their second shot.

"About 10 crore individuals are now overdue, they should have received the second dose. It's now unfinished work that we must accomplish, and send reminders to those who are yet to take their second dose," Paul added.

According to the government estimate, 75 per cent of the adult population have received the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines, while 30 percent of the cohort has been immunized by both doses.

Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia also congratulated India on the occasion.

"This extraordinary feat in a short span was not possible without strong political leadership, inter-sectoral convergence, dedicated efforts of the entire health and frontline workforce, and the people themselves," she added.

The nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive was started first with the healthcare workers on Jan 16. The next phase began with the frontline workers on Feb 2.

The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from Mar 1 for people over 60 years of age and those aged 45 and above with specified comorbid conditions. The country launched vaccination for all people aged over 45 years from Apr 1.

From May 1, everyone above 18 years of age were allowed to receive COVID-19 vaccines.