Housing societies keen on getting vaccines from pvt hospitals

Nagpur: With some big private hospitals set to receive vaccines from manufacturers by June first week, many housing societies are seeking a tie-up to conduct exclusive Covid vaccination camps for their members.
Such camps would largely benefit people with special needs and elderly who were otherwise dependent on government centres and till last month on private hospitals for vaccination.
The enquires are in addition to those from corporate houses and private entities.
However, private hospitals are yet to make any commitment due to lack of clarity from government and local authorities.
Municipal commissioner Radhakrishnan B told TOI that the civic body was ready to take everyone’s contribution for implementing vaccination drives as per guidelines.
Recently, BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation permitted housing societies and offices to tie-up with private hospitals for Covid vaccination.
The civic chief said, “It can be done. We will explore it and issue necessary guidelines. But right now, the remaining beneficiaries are from low income groups. Let us first focus on them.”
The NMC has so far followed examples of other big cities for starting initiatives like drive-in camp and vaccination at your locality.
Dr Sadashiv Bhole, one of the directors of Seven Star Hospital, said that they have received lots of enquires for mass vaccination. “Even small housing societies are approaching us for holding a drive on their premises. But we can’t commit till we get the vaccines. Also, the activity must be done as per guidelines,” he said.
Dr Bhole claimed they have resources to vaccinate 500 to 1,000 in outdoor camps. “For people with special needs, it will be beneficial. As part of society, we have to vaccinate as many as possible,” he said.
Sengupta Hospital director Dr Shantanu Sengupta said clear guidelines in this regard are awaited. “We too are getting queries from many companies. They are trying to procure vaccines on their part as well. We have to get a clear indication from the government if this can be done,” he said.
Dr Tushar Gawad, director-Administration at Alexis Multispeciality Hospital, said they have received multiple enquiries from corporates for exclusive association as well as on-site vaccination. “We have placed orders directly with manufacturers as well as through AHPI and are expecting supply by first or second week of June. However, continuity of supply is a concern which will only be addressed by increase in production.” he said.
Delivery of vaccines is a major issue, mainly for hospitals who have only one centre. Those with multiple centres or pan India presence have been able to procure the vaccines far easily as compared to others.
Civic officials said the bigger the order size, the early hospitals will get the delivery. But it remains to be seen what response they get as it will be paid vaccination with one dose said to be around Rs850 to Rs1,250 depending on the type of vaccine.