NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday urged chief ministers to ensure that real-time data related to Covid-19 vaccination is uploaded on Co-WIN — the IT platform that has emerged as the backbone of the massive vaccination programme set to be rolled out across the country on January 16.
Modi said any lapse in feeding information on Co-WIN could result in loss in the mission. “The most important factor in this vaccination drive is identification and monitoring of those who need to be vaccinated. For this, Co-WIN digital platform has been created. With the help of Aadhaar, beneficiaries will be identified as well as timely second dosage will be ensured,” he said while addressing a meeting of CMs to review preparedness for launch of the vaccination drive.
In a high-level meeting with state representatives on Sunday, the Centre had shared an overall view of the Co-WIN software and the principles that shall underpin the technology back-up for the vaccination exercise. Underscoring the importance of capturing the vaccination data in real-time, the Centre told states that “this was non-negotiable”.
Underlining the significance of the vaccination drive in India, Modi said, “Several other countries are going to follow us. Vaccination for Covid-19 has been going on in about 50 countries since the past 3-4 weeks, and till now, only about 2.5 crore people have received vaccination. India aims to achieve vaccination for 30 crore people in the next few months.”
Highlighting the utility of the Co-WIN platform, the PM said after a person received the first dose of vaccination, Co-WIN will immediately generate a digital vaccination certificate. This certificate will also act as a reminder for the second dose, after which, a final certificate will be given.
He further said proper mechanisms had been put in place for monitoring of any adverse event following immunisation. He said India already had a mechanism in place for universal immunisation programme, and this was further strengthened for this vaccination drive.
The PM emphasised on following Covid-related protocols throughout this endeavour, adding that even those receiving the vaccine should continue to follow these precautions to prevent spread of the virus.