India gearing up for world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive: Modi

India is preparing to run the world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination drive, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on December 31 after laying the foundation stone for AIIMS at Gujarat’s Rajkot.

He said, “The number of new cases of COVID-19 infection in the country is decreasing now. We are preparing to run the world’s largest vaccination program in the next year.”

“Swasthya hi sampada hai, the year 2020 has taught us this well. It has been a year full of challenges,” the Prime Minister said.

Mr. Modi said, “India has emerged as the nerve centre of global health. In the year 2021, we have to strengthen India’s role in healthcare.”

Mr. Modi said Dawai bhi aur kadaai bhi should be our mantra for 2021. He said, “Earlier, I said, ‘Dawai nahi toh dheelai nahi’. Now, I am saying ‘Dawai bhi aur kadaai (caution) bhi’. Our mantra for the year 2021 is ‘Dawai bhi aur kadaai bhi’.”

The Prime Minister also appealed to people not to pay heed to rumours which might arise in the course of the vaccination drive. “In our country, rumours spread quickly. Different people for their personal gains or due to irresponsible behaviour spread various rumours. Maybe rumours will be spread when vaccination begins, some have already begun,” he said.

He said, “I appeal to the people of the country that fight against #COVID19 is the one against an unknown enemy. Be careful about such rumours and as responsible citizens refrain from forwarding messages on social media without checking.”

Over 201 acres of land has been allotted for the institute in Rajkot, which will be built at an estimated cost of Rs 1,195 crore and is expected to be completed by mid-2022, the Prime Minister’s Office said on December 30.