India crosses 100-crore COVID-19 vaccine doses mark, PM hails ‘triumph Of Indian Science’

India has crossed the historic milestone of administering 100 crores doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to its citizens, on Thursday, as per the Cowin portal.

India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive was launched on January 16, 2021. Initially, the vaccination was opened for Health Care Workers (HCWs) only. From February 2, front-line workers were made eligible for vaccination. These included State and Central Police personnel, Armed Force Personnel, Home Guards, Civil Defence & Disaster Management Volunteers, Municipal workers, Prison Staff, PRI Staff and Revenue workers involved in containment and surveillance, Railway Protection Force and election Staff.

The vaccination drive was expanded from March 1 to include persons above 60 years of age and those above 45 years with associated specified 20 comorbidities. It was further expanded to all people above 45 years of age from April 1. From May 1 all persons above 18 years of age were made eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.

As India administers 100 crore COVID-19 vaccination jabs, PM Modi hails India’s record vaccine drive.

Taking to Twitter handle he wrote, “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. #VaccineCentury (sic).”

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also took to Twitter to congratulate the country on the occasion. Mandaviya credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for the feat.

In addition, officials have informed that to celebrate the occasion, Mandaviya will launch a song by singer Kailash Kher.

The largest khadi tricolor in the country, weighing around 1,400 kg and with dimensions, 225 feet by 150 feet, will be displayed at the Red Fort today.