Dose shortage in Pune affects Covid vaccination
For the past few days Pune city has been facing severe shortage of Covid19 vaccines. Citizens despite queuing up at the vaccination centers are returning with empty hands and no information on when they would get their first as well as second dose. Several residents from Kondhwa, Wanowrie complained to Pune Pulse about the unavailability of vaccines and lack of planning on managing the vaccine campaign.
Hashit Bavaria, a resident of Utopia society said, “My second dose of COVI SHIELD is due. But there is no information about it on the COWIN site. I am trying to schedule it but it is not showing any hospital or any other place.”
Vishwas Joshi, a resident of Bramha Majestic said, “Now that vaccination is open to 45 years and above the vaccination centres are crowded. Vaccine is in short supply and people line up at the centre as early as 5 am (no social distancing is followed). And after waiting for hours they return without a shot. Although the government says vaccines shall be made available on priority to senior citizens and for 2nd shot, no such arrangement is made. SoP suggests senior citizens above 60 should remain home and avoid crowds, but they are made to stand in crowded lines for Hours? People were told they would get a call /SMSfrom the centre for the 2nd shot. But most people I contacted have not received calls even after 6 weeks? ”
Joshi further stated that senior citizens should be provided a separate slot, either every day or alternate day. (Even odd even dates can be used for planning). It will protect centers from crowding and exposure to infection. Vaccination centres should call citizens for 2nd shot through SMS. The centre can also call people for vaccination using a record of the first shot.
Manisha Kasture, a resident of Wanowrie said, “I am looking for vaccination centers in and around Wanowrie as well as the Parvati side. But unfortunately I am unable to find any center which is providing a second dose of vaccine for my in-laws who are senior citizens.
When the matter was raised with the Hadapsar MLA Chetan Tupe, he said, this is the sad reality of Pune, where lack of vaccines is affecting the vaccination program. But I am already following up with the Commissioner and shallr resolve it within a few days.
When Pune Pulse spoke to local Corporator of Wanowrie and Pune city ex mayor Prashant Jagtap, he said, “There is shortage of vaccine in the city. But PMC is trying to distribute it equally among all centers. Also, in Wanowrie we have demanded a few more vaccine centers. The vaccination of the second dose shall be on priority as per the new guidelines.
Dr Dinesh Bende, zonal medical officer, Pune Municipal Corporation said, “Second dose of vaccinations are being given as per the availability of doses. PMC is ensuring that each center receives adequate doses. We are also trying to add more centers in the zone to reduce the load on existing centers. ”
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Sahil Kedari, president, OBC Cell, Pune City District Congress Committee said, “There are many people who are waiting not just for first dose of vaccine but also for second dose. PMC should increase the number of vaccination centers in the city. Wanowrie too needs more vaccination centers. I have written to the PMC Commissioner a couple of days ago to allow housing societies to host vaccination program. I am awaiting some positive response from the civic authority.”
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