Amit Dang, MD, Founder and CEO, MarksMan Healthcare Communications and Dexium Technologies, India
The COVID-19 vaccination program in India is nothing short of a fairy tale. Formally launched on 16th January 2021, first aimed at protecting frontline COVID warriors including doctors, healthcare staff, police, sanitation workers and the likes, the Indian vaccination drive has seen many world records.
The vaccination drive in India started off with the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine (Covishield) and the Indian developed Bharat Biotech vaccine (Covaxin); currently other vaccines that are available or under local trials include Sputnik-V, J&J, and the DNA vaccine ZyCoV-D. The visuals of our Prime Minister receiving Covaxin dose inspired confidence among the general public. The incessant messages across various platforms concerning the benefits of vaccination, myth-busting information, community involvement, and outreach programs have resulted in a massive success of the vaccination program. As a proof of India’s technological and digital capabilities, the entire vaccination program is managed efficiently through an online portal aptly named Co-WIN (COVID Vaccination Intelligence Network), which is owned and operated by India’s Health and Family Welfare Ministry. All vaccination certificates are issued through the same portal, thereby reducing errors and ensuring transparency. Vaccines for adolescents and children are also in the pipeline.
On 21st Oct 2021, India became the second country (after China) to deliver 100 crore (1 billion) vaccine doses, a milestone reached within a span of 276 days after launching the vaccination drive. As of now, India delivers over 30 lakh vaccine doses daily on an average, which is more doses delivered in entire continents, with South America’s 20.23 lakh daily doses and North America’s 18.49 lakh daily doses for context. Over 71 crore individuals, accounting to almost 75% of the eligible Indian population, have taken at least the first dose, and over 29.5 crore individuals have been fully vaccinated in India, which is equivalent to the fully vaccinated population of UK, Germany, France, Russia, and Japan put together.
These achievements were possible with the coordinated efforts surrounding vaccine development, manufacture, scaling up of production, delivering vaccines to remote places, training, and motivating people to vaccinate themselves. The scientific way in which all these have been made possible showcases the capabilities of the Indian administration, leadership, healthcare sector, technology, and all related stakeholders. This is a major morale booster to all Indians, after the devastating run of the 2nd wave in India. The goal is to fully vaccinate and protect all Indians before the arrival of the 3rd wave, and by looking at the pace of vaccine uptake and the enthusiastic participation of the entire country putting aside all differences, there is little doubt that this milestone also will be achieved soon. It appears that this is another Indian win.