BMC frames new rules for vaccination camps in Mumbai

The guidelines specify that the private vaccination centres would be responsible for setting up the infra and procuring shots. Representation pic

Following the fake vaccination scam that has affected hundreds of Mumbaikars, the civic body has revised the guidelines for housing societies to conduct vaccination camps. In a circular issued recently, the civic body has mandated that societies wishing to conduct camps will have to inform the ward office and the police three days before the drive. In addition, one police personnel will have to be present at the camp during the drive to ensure there are no irregularities.

Private hospitals that societies are tying up with will have to be registered on CoWIN and their registration will have to be verified by ward officials before the drive. The order also states that societies will have to enter a Memorandum of Understanding and get the ID cards of hospital representatives checked during the drive.

The guidelines specify that private vaccination centres will be responsible for setting up the drive and procuring vaccines. They also advise societies to be vigilant about the storage of vaccines and ensure that they are stored at temperatures between 2°C to 8°C by the hospitals. In case of doubts or suspicions, citizens are to approach the police and BMC.

The BMC has also advised citizens to check their status on CoWIN soon after the inoculation as it is usually updated immediately and any change should be brought to the hospital's notice. Private centres will be responsible for treating adverse effects and will have to set up infrastructure such as observation rooms before the drive.

A civic official said, "Despite various efforts to ensure there are no irregularities, a vaccine fraud took place at a Kandivli society. This problem has led us to be more vigilant as per the instructions of the police department." The circular did not mention if the rules extend to private firms conducting the camps.