Mumbai: Health centre in-charge pays from his pocket to set up facilities

Apart from making facilities available at the Agashi health centre, those arriving for vaccines are also being offered chocolates and roses

Days after a 64-year-old man died while waiting under the scorching sun outside a primary health centre for his vaccine shot, the medical officer of a health centre in Agashi, Virar, spent his own money to set up facilities for those who would have to wait for vaccinations at the centre, so that they don't face any difficulties.

Speaking to mid-day, Dr. Rugved Dudhat, in-charge of the health centre, said, "Recently, a senior citizen died of heart attack while waiting in the sun to get his COVID-19 vaccine shot. The inoculation drive has started at the health centre and we have made proper arrangements like erecting a tent, installing seats and making drinking water available, so that no one falls sick in the heat. We are also offering chocolates and red roses to those who come for vaccinations. This is an effort to give them special treatment."

Zila Parishad member Asha Chavan inaugurated the vaccination drive at the centre on Monday, after which a number of senior citizens reached to get their jabs. "Our target is to vaccinate 100 people everyday," said Chavan, who has been encouraging her staff members to spread awareness among people so that they take the vaccine shots.

Dr. Chetna Mandot at the centre said, "We have roped in ASHA, anganwadi, health and other community workers to conduct door-to-door campaign to encourage people to get vaccinated at the centre." In a bid to speed up the registration process, the staff at the health centre have been equipped with two laptops and a tab. "We have also got a wifi connection for smooth and faster registration of people for the drive," said Dr. Dudhat.

Sources said that the visitors wait outside under the tent, and after the vaccine shot, they wait for another 30 minutes in the observation area where Dr. Mandot checks on their health. "We check whether the beneficiaries develop any allergies post the vaccination. We observe them for about 30 minutes and if any reaction to the vaccine or unusual symptoms develop, we immediately administer Adverse Effect Followed after Immunisation (AEFI), which is readily available with us," added Dr. Mandot.