Mumbai: No vaccine drive without BMC nod

This picture has been used for representational purpose

Following the Kandivli fake vaccination scam, Mumbaikars have become extra cautious, insisting on the presence of civic officials during the vaccine drive. However, several people are still unaware that they need to seek permission from the civic body, before the drive.

Around 10 days ago, the BMC had issued a circular stating that it would be compulsory to intimate the local ward office and local police station about any private vaccination drive being organised by individuals, housing societies or companies. Further, it stated that only registered private Covid-19 vaccine centres would be allowed to conduct these drives.

Since the circular was issued, various private hospitals are intimating the civic health department three days prior to the drive, making it easier for authorities to keep a tab on them. However, several housing societies are still unaware of this protocol.

The circular had mentioned that if norms and rules are not followed, health officials would take serious action. But, sources said that the BMC is being lenient at this point.

Speaking to mid-day, one of the senior health department officials, on condition of anonymity, said, "We are now being invited to several camps as citizens feel our presence would mean that there are no irregularities happening. But while the hospitals are intimating us about these drives, the housing societies organising these camps are not approaching us directly, when that should, ideally be the case.

When we enquired why this was happening, we learnt that many had no idea about the circular. Only we can verify if the drive is being conducted by a registered centre."

The BMC is also being extra particular about storage of the vaccine stock. "If protocols are not followed, action will be taken by the inspecting officer," an official said.