Mumbai colleges seek clarity over Covid-19 vaccinations for students

Two youngsters get vaccinated at Nair hospital on Wednesday. Pics/Suresh Karkera

It has been two weeks since Higher and Technical Education Minister Uday Samant declared the participation of universities and colleges in vaccination drives to cover the student population of around 37 lakh across Maharashtra. But city colleges still await more clarity, while the individuals from the 18-44 years group struggle to book slots for their jab.

City colleges want a clear roadmap to ensure successful implementation of the vaccination drive. College administrations, too, are brainstorming while they await proper directives.

"The idea will help reduce the burden on the healthcare system, if colleges can work to provide vaccines for their students. But that will be possible after the curbs are over. Many students will have to visit their colleges and this requires traveling in most cases to faraway institutions. I have students from all parts of Mumbai as well as outside, as they stayed in the city before the pandemic," pointed out Dr Ashok Wadia, principal of Jai Hind College. He said it would be more beneficial if college premises are used for vaccinating students. "Instead of asking students to visit their respective colleges, why not allow them, with valid ID cards, to go to any colleges near their residence to get the vaccine? This will ensure that no student has to travel far," he added.

Dr Madhav Rajwade, principal of Sathaye College said, "It is important to ensure we have the required manpower to do so and all of them too are vaccinated beforehand. There should be thorough planning for this which will ensure uniformity. The department can have flying squads visiting colleges to ensure proper implementation."

Another college principal said, "It is time that the department prepares a proper plan, as the vaccine shortage is expected to be resolved soon, and then a huge number of individuals will want to get vaccinated. Many universities and colleges abroad are working to get their students vaccinated on campus. We can take leads from there."

Another principal said, "The idea is good but it'll be chaotic without planning. Colleges or universities will not have the expertise to run vaccination drives like the health centres." "Colleges can be associated with nearby health facilities to hold the vaccination drive on campus. But nobody can take a step before knowing the department's actual plan," added a principal.