Total Covid vaccine doses administered in India cross 100-crore milestone

Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 21

India have administered a record one billion Covid vaccine doses in total and on Thursday crossed a significant milestone which Prime Minister Narendra Modi described as a triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit.

“India scripts history. We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat,” the PM said floating the #VaccineCentury hashtag that soon began trending on Twitter.

India is only the second country after China to cross 100 crore vaccination mark.

The national inoculation drive began on January 16.

The WHO also hailed the Indian feat.

In a statement, Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO, South-East Asia, on the occasion of India’s 100 crore vaccination milestone, said, “Huge congratulations to India for marking yet another milestone -- a billion Covid vaccine doses administered. This extraordinary feat in a short span was not possible without strong political leadership, inter-sectoral convergence, dedicated efforts of the entire health and frontline workforce, and the people themselves.”

The WHO said India’s progress must be viewed in the context of the country’s commendable commitment and efforts to ensure that these life-saving vaccines are accessible globally.

The government is marking the day in varied ways with a decision to illuminate all ASI protected monuments and play the hooter in all ships anchored at Indian ports.

The longest Tricolour created by Khadi India will be unfurled at the Red Fort in New Delhi where an anthem to mark the occasion will also be released.

Free ropeway rides will be offered by several states including Gujarat and Kerala.

In Odisha, sculptor Sudarshan Patnaik will create sand art to showcase 100 crore logo and Prime Minister’s photo.

As many as 126 activities across India have been planned over the day.

India achieved the major milestone of ‘one billion’ vaccinations on a day when it saw 18,454 new cases in the last 24 hours and the recovery rate rose to 98.15 per cent, the highest since March 2020.

“There were 17,561 recoveries in the last 24 hours. Active cases account for less than 1 per cent of total cases, currently at 0.52 per cent, the lowest since March 2020. India's active caseload stands at 1,78,831,” the health ministry said.

Weekly positivity  rate remains 1.34 per cent, less than 3 per cent for the last 118 days.

Daily positivity rate (1.48 per cent) has been less than 3 per cent for the last 52 days.

China had crossed the one billion dose mark in June.