Covid vaccine launch: Two Patna hospitals selected

PATNA: Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences-Patna (IGIMS-P) and Paras HMRI Hospital have been selected among other vaccine sites in the country for the launch of Covid-19 vaccination drive by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a live telecast on January 16.
A health department official said two-way video communication system would be installed at the two selected vaccination centres to facilitate live interaction between the PM and the beneficiaries.Simultaneously, the vaccination drive will also begin at 300 sites across the state.
Manoj Kumar, special secretary-cum-executive director of State Health Society, said the two selected health facilities in Patna have been asked to make the required arrangements for live webcast.
“Health workers who will receive vaccine dose at IGIMS-P and Paras HMRI would be able to interact with the central team during the live telecast. The other 298 vaccine sites in the state will also make arrangements for the webcast of launch of the vaccine drive,” Manoj said. He also visited the two sites in Patna to review preparations for launch of the vaccine drive.
Paras HMRI regional director (east) Dr Talat Halim said arrangements have been made at the same place for vaccination where the dry run was conducted in the second phase. “The PM will interact with some healthcare workers who have been shortlisted for vaccination. Arrangements for two-way communication have been made in one of the conference rooms,” he said.
Dr Halim added CM Nitish Kumar might also visit the hospital during the vaccine launch. “However, the CM’s visit is still not confirmed,” he said.
IGIMS superintendent Dr Manish Mandal said all the arrangements have been made for the launch of the Covid-19 vaccine and live telecast of PM’s programme. “We are waiting to get the list of 100 beneficiaries who will be vaccinated on January 16,” he added.