CMAI urges members to join India's vaccination drive

The Indian government has launched one of the biggest vaccination drives in the world, and close to 14 crore people have already been vaccinated. Further, from May 1, the third phase of COVID-19 vaccination drive will begin which will allow all citizens of 18 years of age and above to get themselves vaccinated.

"This gigantic task will need not only a massive effort on part of the governments, both Central and State, but also tremendous support from all citizens, and especially businessmen – not only to get themselves vaccinated, but also to encourage, motivate, and assist in getting all staff and employees to get vaccinated," CMAI president Rajesh Masand said in a press release.

The shortage of vaccines is unlikely to last for too long as vaccine production is being scaled up, imports are expected to flow in shortly, and newer vaccines are underway, Masand said.

CMAI has urged its members to participate in the Phase 3 Strategy of the National COVID-19 Vaccination, and take advantage of the provisions whereby industrial establishments would be able to procure vaccine doses from manufacturers, provided they follow all protocols such as being captured on CoWIN Platform, linked to AEFI (Adverse Event Following Immunisation) reporting and all other prescribed norms.

Masand drew attention of the members to the news reported in the national media today, that the health secretary, Government of India, has written a letter to all states, wherein it has been stated that industrial enterprises will be allowed to vaccinate their employees. They will have to procure the vaccines from notified hospitals with cold chain facilities or map themselves to private hospitals. They will have to register themselves as "Industrial CVCs” (Covid Vaccine Centres).

CMAI president appealed to all members of the association, especially those with large factories or situated in Industrial Estates, to join this effort in getting the maximum number of people vaccinated. "This is the only long-term solution to defeat the virus," he said.

"The Government of India has announced an additional incentive that any money spent towards this drive, can be set off against the CSR spend requirements of that particular company," he added.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (RKS)