Hyderabad: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India's COVID-19 vaccination campaign is based on humane and important principles. Those who need the vaccine the most will get it first, he said on 16 January while launching the nationwide vaccination drive.
Doctors, nurses, hospital sanitation workers, and para-medical staff will be the first to get vaccinated, Mr. Modi said, adding that this is applicable to hospitals in both public and private sectors.
After the medical staff, members rendering essential services and those responsible for the country's security and law and order will be vaccinated, the PM further said. "Our security forces, police personnel, fire brigade, and sanitation workers will be given priority. This number will be nearly three crores and the Central Government will bear the expense of their vaccination," said Mr. Modi.
While elaborating on the robust arrangements for the vaccination drive, the Prime Minister cautioned people to be careful about not missing the two doses. He said there will be a gap of one month between the doses and asked people to stay alert as even two weeks after taking the second dose, the human body can develop the necessary immunity against coronavirus.
Mr. Modi requested the countrymen to show the same patience at the time of vaccination as they showed throughout the fight against the virus.