Nagpur: Dr Ajay Keoliya, dean of Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital, Nagpur, was the first person to be administered dose of Covishield vaccine at the hospital, which is one of the vaccination centres in Nagpur.
It was a historic moment for the hospital and its staff who fought against the Covid-19 onslaught like the rest of the country in the absence of any specific and proven medicine or therapy.
At 10.45am, Keoliya arrived at the special immunization room in the community medicine department where the vaccination programme is being held. Surgery department Dr Sunil Lanjewar accompanied Keoliya. Within 5 minutes, Keoliya was vaccinated and asked to proceed to the observation room.
The dean termed it as a big moment for all at the hospital. “We thank the government for keeping health workers on priority. The vaccine has been prepared through scientific research and after thorough trials. We should have no doubts about it,” he said on fears about adverse reactions to the vaccine.
Keoliya did not complain of any problem after more than 30 minutes.
After Dr Lanjewar, Department head and professor Dr Ashok Jadhav was the third person to be vaccinated.
The hospital staff was already present while others were yet to arrive. Hence, none of the beneficiary turned up for the next half an hour.
Some curious low risk individuals also turned up at the centre like lift man Hemraj Bhaghel outside the vaccination room who inquired if his name was there. Staff told him he can get the jab only if he has received any message.
The hospital staff made complete arrangements at its community medicine department. Associate professor Dr Jyostana Deshmukh and assistant professor Dr Nisha Agrawal are monitoring the process to ensure a smooth roll out.
Dr Deshmukh, who is nodal officer for the drive, said a list of 100 front line workers has been finalized and they would be vaccinated during the day. “Around 15 to 20 people will get the jab in an hour. Only the first person takes more time before the activity picks pace,” said Dr Jadhav.
The vaccination room has a separate entry and exit. Two residents doctors are deployed in the observation room where beneficiaries will have to wait for 30 minutes after receiving the shot.