While Kerala is an active participant in the Covid-19 vaccination process, it is not without its troubles. On March 7, 62-year-old Subramanian from Kalpathy in Palakkad received his Covid vaccination certificate, congratulating him for his first dose. Interestingly, he didn’t get the dose, and that wasn’t by choice.
Subramanian, a retired bank employee, had arrived at the Koppam Lions School as per the schedule given to him after registering for it on the first of this month. Like many in Kerala, he arrived at the vaccination centre as per the schedule, but he did not receive his dose just like many Keralites. After he returned home, he received his Covid vaccination certificate, following which he filed a complaint with Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja and Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan. The state health department clarified that it was a technical mistake, but the biggest allegation is that many people are getting vaccinated without due registration, leading to a shortage of vaccines for those who registered.
On the other hand, the state is also suffering from an acute shortage of vaccines, and combining with mismanagement has led to a crisis of sorts. Sources have reported the shortage in multiple centres — both private and public — across several districts including Thiruvananthapuram. While the number of centres has increased, the latest reports indicate that the number of doses might be decreased.
Moreover, with the election a month away, vaccinating those enrolled for electoral duties seems to be the state’s priority. The health department added that over 35,000 people, who are gearing up for the April 6 elections, are registered for the vaccine. However, government employees rushing in to take the vaccine — with or without registration — have thrown a wedge into the plan. According to sources, if the shortage isn’t dealt with effectively, then the whole vaccination process will be affected in the state.
