First doses of coronavirus vaccine for one crore healthcare workers

People privy to the government's plans told the daily that the government has advanced to a stage where it is preparing a database of coronavirus warriors, who will receive the first doses of the vaccine.

The immunization drive will, naturally, depend on the approval by Indian regulators.

India is relying on five vaccines, that are undergoing trials here, to provide respite from the pandemic.

Reportedly, the state governments furnished "granular" details about frontline healthcare workers. They were categorized under "allopathic doctors, AYUSH doctors; nurses deployed in hospitals, ASHA (Accredited Social Health Activists) workers, and ANMs (Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery)."

But the government won't prioritize healthcare workers.

"Once we start immunizing frontline healthcare workers, will do it for the entire one crore people, from start to finish," sources said.

On Monday, Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan said 25-30 crore Indians will get the vaccine by September 2021.

He also reiterated that a database for healthcare workers was being prepared. The second group, he said, consists of those aged above 50.

"Vaccine efficacy and safety are the two most important agenda for government," he said in an interview with India Today.

Meanwhile, PM Modi chaired an important meeting today, to review the coronavirus situation in badly-impacted states.

The meeting, held virtually, was also attended by Home Minister Amit Shah who said that the spike in Europe and other nations implies that we can not be complacent in our approach.

He batted for following all precautions, like maintaining social distance, washing hands, and using masks.

Meanwhile, Delhi's CM Arvind Kejriwal told the PM that infections were decreasing in the National Capital after a spike of 8,593 cases on November 10.

Kejriwal added, "The high severity of the third wave is due to many factors. Pollution is an important factor."

He sought PM's intervention to curtail the annual menace of stubble burning.

Besides Delhi, CMs of Maharashtra, Kerala, West Bengal, Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, and Haryana also participated in the meeting.

Bengal's CM Mamata Banerjee told that the rise in her state's numbers was driven by the spike in neighboring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan.

She said the mortality rate was lower and also urged the Centre to clear GST dues for the states.