World has been at war with COVID-19 since last one year. Whopping 9.4 Crore people got affected and 20 lakh people died of it. India 1.05 crore people got affected and 1.5 lakh people died.
AII India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur as an “Institute of National Importance†aptly participated in the response to this challenge. This response has been in multiple ways. We started COVID-19 diagnostic facility in April 2020 and we mentored 59 laboratories across the state of Maharashtra. This includes Government as well as private labs. We started COVID admissions despite not having the ward. OPD was converted in the ward.
Till date, we have treated 1220 patients and the recovery rate has been 97.6%. Our experts visited various places and supported control activities as part of central teams. In addition to this, number of research activities and CME/symposia have been conducted to understand the disease, mount appropriate response and disseminate the scientific knowledge.
Today, on 16th January, we are happy to be part of launching of COVID-19 vaccination program. We have received first consignment of 1000 doses of COVISHIELD vaccine. This is meant for the healthcare workers as part of first phase of vaccination. Our team has been trained for use of COWIN app. All logistics is in place.
All beneficiaries should receive the vaccine as it is very safe. The vaccine is contraindicated in those who have history of allergic reaction to any drugs/vaccine, and pregnant and lactating women. Despite vaccination, COVID-specific behaviour needs to be continued i.e. use of mask, social distancing and hand sanitation.
I am hopeful, with everyone’s contribution, we will win this war against COVID-19 very soon!
