Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences stadium on Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation radar for drive-in vaccination

BHUBANESWAR: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) plans to use the stadium of Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) here and two more shopping malls for drive-in vaccination of those waiting for their second dose in the 45-plus age group. These three new vaccination sites together can vaccinate 1500 people per day.
Additional district urban public health officer (ADUPHO) Antaryami Mishra said they will be able to inoculate at least 500 beneficiaries in each facilities. “We will have drive-in vaccination in force at Esplanade mall, where it had been launched on Saturday. The space in the two more shopping malls — DN Regalia and Utkal Galleria — has been assessed. Considering that there is basement parking area with enough entry and exit points and outdoor parking area, we have selected the malls. Our aim is to avoid crowding at the vaccination site and we think the stadium and the two malls will be suitable sites. The BMC will come up with official announcement after which people can start to book their slots,” Mishra said.
While DN Regalia is located almost on the outskirts of the city towards Khurda, the KIMS stadium is on the opposite side. Utkal Galleria is located in the heart of the city near BMC office. The three sites can cater to people from different localities. The location of the sites will add to the beneficiaries convenience, a BMC official said.
On Saturday, 400 beneficiaries of 45-plus age group took the second dose on the first day of drive-in vaccination at Esplanade shopping mall. Many people, who didn’t have a personal car or couldn’t hire one, also came in motorcycle for the jab. The eligible ones drove in and took the vaccine and left within the stipulated time of 30 minutes.
“Like the launch day, we will make adequate publicity about the drive-in vaccination at the three new sites so that people can book their slots in advance. We will put up message on tweeter as well. Those coming on motorcycles won’t be denied vaccine,” said a BMC official.