Pvt firms give BMC’S vax drive shot in arm

MUMBAI: At a time when the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is facing a shortage of vaccines on a weekly basis, corporate firms are coming forward with donations to facilitate free mass immunisation programme for the general public.

BMC gets the doses from the Central government. But often due to inconsistent supply of the doses, it faces shortage of vaccines, which is affecting the immunisation programme in the city that has a population of around 20 million.

To facilitate the vaccination, corporate companies like Citi Bank and Godrej, through their corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, are vaccinating the general population through BMC’S free vaccination programme. “Both Citi Bank and Godrej approached us with the noble intention to vaccinate 100,000 people each. So rather than directly donating the vials to BMC, we have asked them to directly provide free vaccinations to the general public through COWIN app,” BMC’S executive health officer Dr Mangala

Gomare said.

Citi Bank along with Jaslok Hospital approached G-south ward office to vaccinate 100,000 slum dwellers from Dharavi — the biggest slum in Asia.

“They have collectively applied to us for free vaccinations. We are also assisting them in beneficiary mobilisation with the help of eight-nine non-government organisations (NGOS). We approached Dharavi Sports Complex, the first quarantine centre in Dharavi, which readily agreed to provide the premises for the drive,” said G-south ward officer Kiran Dighavkar. “If everything goes as planned, we will be able to start the vaccination programme by Wednesday,” he added.

The hospital did not divulge much information. A senior official of the hospital said, “It is still in the initial stage of planning.”

Similarly, Godrej has decided to inoculate 100,000 people at their vaccination camp in Vikhroli through COWIN app.

“People who want to get vaccinated at BMC centres would be directed to Godrej’s camp through the COWIN app. Despite getting vaccinated in a private centre, these people will not be charged,” said Dr Gomare.

Despite repeated attempts, the company did not respond to HT’S calls and messages for comment over the issue.

Recently, many smaller private companies also approached BMC to donate vaccines. “These companies do not have the financial strength to donate 100,000 vaccines. But it is encouraging to see that they are donating doses ranging from 5,000-20,000,” said Dr Gomare.

A drug company also promised to donate 50,000 vials in the coming days. DR MANGALA GOMARE, executive health officer, BMC