‘This is a revolutionary step in virus war’

Dietician Dr Madhura Patil gets the first jab at the COVID-19 inoculation drive, as CM Uddhav Thackeray looks on. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

Maharashtra CM Uddhav Thackeray on Saturday termed the launch of the COVID-19 vaccination drive a "revolutionary step" and hailed the efforts of health and frontline workers during the pandemic.

CM Thackeray was at the BKC COVID Care Centre to launch the vaccination drive. On the first day, health workers from the priority group were vaccinated.

On Saturday morning, CM Thackeray, along with Environment Minister Aaditya Thakeray, local MLA Zeeshan Siddique, Municipal Commissioner IS Chahal, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar, along with other senior officials from the BMC, arrived at the centre at around 11.30 am. In the presence of the CM, two doctors, dietician Madhura Patil and physician Dr Manoj Pachange, were given the first vaccine.
"This day is a revolutionary moment in our war against the virus," said the CM, while praising the efforts of Corona warriors. He also appealed to people against letting their guard down.

Patil, who received the first vaccine jab, said, "For the last six months, I have been working at the BKC COVID Centre as a dietitian. I consider myself lucky that I was the first person to get the vaccine, that too in the presence of the CM. This is a proud moment for me and my family."

Dr Manoj Pachange, who has been working at the centre for the last 10 months, said, "I've been working under the guidance of our dean Dr Rajesh Dere and it is he who motivated us to take the vaccine as it is safe."

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Rejected on health grounds: 4 (pregnancy and lactation)