BMC vaccination drive: Fifty seniors go back without shots at SRCC Hospital in Mahalaxmi

SRCC Hospital at Mahalaxmi had made seating arrangements for the senior citizens in its lawn on Monday. Pic/Suresh Karkera

Over 50 senior citizens from Nariman Point to Worli thronged SRCC Hospital at Mahalaxmi as the city began vaccinating its elderly population on Monday morning. However, they had to return empty handed as the hospital could not get the BMC permission in time. Most had chosen to walk in.

SRCC is among three private facilities that have been roped in for the drive. It had made seating arrangements on its lawn for the vaccine seekers. When mid-day visited the premises, 15 senior citizens were waiting for a response from the hospital. Around 9.30 am, a doctor told them they were awaiting a green signal from the civic body.

Minita Dalal, 63, had brought along her 82-year-old mother Manjula Patel. "We drove all the way from Nariman Point. But despite the announcement last week, the BMC hasn't made any arrangements on the first day. Because of their negligence, we have to go back without the vaccine," she said.

Manoj Kanojia from Worli had walked in only to learn that the drive was yet to start at SRCC. "They don't know when it will start," he said. Another senior citizen, Panditan Devendra, said he works as a driver for a family at Napean Sea Road and had found out about the vaccination programme through his employer. "I came early, but now I'm going back," he said.

Despite the inconvenience, many showed remarkable composure. "The hospital's response is good. They have taken our contacts and will inform us when the drive starts. We should not politicise every issue. Vaccination is necessary and we should cooperate with the authorities for better results," said Paulomi Abhyankar.

A Mahalaxmi resident who did not want to be identified said, "The hospital is quite responsive. Let's see what happens. We are not worried about the side effects. It is better than a positive COVID report."

Dr Goranjan Mane from SRCC Hospital said they collected the contact numbers of over 50 citizens between 9 am and 10.30 am. He said they did not want the elderly visitor to wait anxiously. Hospital staff said they could start giving shots to senior citizens after 3 pm. None of those who had turned up were in the category of 45+ with comorbidities.