Mumbai fake Covid-19 vaccination scam: Relieved to get real jab, say Kandivli residents

Residents of Hiranandani Society receive the jab at at a BMC-organised drive at Amenity Market. Pic/Satej Shinde

Around 390 residents of Hiranandani Heritage society at Kandivli West, who were duped in the fake vaccination scam in May this year, received the real vaccine on Saturday at a BMC-organised drive at Amenity Market, Kandivli West.

Speaking with mid-day, BMC Medical Health Officer Naznin Shaikh said, "The society wrote a letter to the BMC about the fake vaccine debacle. We arranged 390 doses of the vaccine with the help of BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal and Additional Commissioner Suresh Kakani. We ensured that there were three doctors, nurses, ambulance available as well." The drive was held between 9 am and 5 pm on Saturday.

Hiranandani resident Jitendra Shah, 75, said he was relieved to finally receive a genuine jab. "In the last two months, I haven't stepped out of home as I hadn't received my second dose. I tried getting it [my second dose] from Shatabdi Hospital, but they turned down the request and told me that the BMC will arrange for it."

Miloni Mapara, 24, professional teacher and resident of Mahavir Nagar learnt about the vaccination drive from society members. "I did not receive a message [about the drive], but when I learnt about the camp, I rushed to get my dose, because this has been organised by a legit entity."

Gopal Sura, management committee member of Hiranandani Heritage society, said that the BMC was quick to respond to their letter. "On Friday, I received a call from a BMC officer that they were going to arrange a vaccination drive for 390 people who received fake vaccines. We accordingly informed the society members."

That the vaccination drive has been restricted to only members of Hiranandani Society is making other victims feel left out. Hardik Shah, CEO of Borivali-based Mansi Shares and Stocks, said, "It's unfair that the BMC has arranged vaccines for Hiranandani Society only. We were cheated too. Most of my staff members received vaccination certificates generated by the Shivam Hospital, due to which we are not able to get vaccine from other hospitals." Another victim from Borivli's Aaditya College said, "We have been struggling to get the genuine vaccine, but it's proving difficult."