NE HEALTH BUREAU
NEW DELHI, JAN 16
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, launching India’s vaccination drive today, paid an emotional tribute to frontline workers in the fight against coronavirus.
Looking back at the time when the pandemic broke out, PM Modi spoke of heart-wrenching moments when many could not even perform last rites for their loved ones and virus-infected people were separated from their families.
Launch of the #LargestVaccineDrive. Let us defeat COVID-19. https://t.co/FE0TBn4P8I
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 16, 2021
“But in times of that crisis and atmosphere of despair, some were giving us hope. They were putting themselves at risk to save us – doctors, nurses, paramedics, ambulance drivers, ASHA workers, sanitation workers, police and other frontline workers – they prioritised their duty towards humanity. They stayed away from their families and children, stayed away from their homes for days. Hundreds never returned home. They sacrificed their lives to save lives. So today, by vaccinating the healthcare workers first, society is in a way paying their debts,” said the Prime Minister.
He said science or mankind was not prepared for such an outbreak.
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Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan joins doctors & potential vaccine beneficiaries at AIIMS, Delhi to participate in launch of world's #LargestVaccineDrive, the #COVID19vaccination drive in India, by Hon'ble PM Sh @narendramodi Ji.@PMOIndiahttps://t.co/Vr8bMQoxmI
— DrHarshVardhanOffice (@DrHVoffice) January 16, 2021
“It takes years to make a vaccine, but in such a short time, not one but two Made-in-India vaccines were developed. This is testimony to the skills and talent of our scientists,” said the PM.
The Prime Minister also said people should not fall for propaganda over vaccines, amid controversy over one of the two Covid shots being administered in India – Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, which is still in clinical trial.
“The DGCI gave approval after they were satisfied with the data of the two vaccines. So stay away from rumours,” PM Modi said.
“Our vaccine developers have a global credibility. Life-saving vaccines given to 60% children globally are made in India.”
