02 April,2021 04:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Gaurav Sarkar
The staff at Balasaheb Thackeray Trauma Centre in Jogeshwari remained busier on Thursday than previous days. Pics/Satej Shinde
The first floor of the Balasaheb Thackeray Trauma Centre in Jogeshwari, one of the vaccine centres in the city, saw a much heavier footfall on Thursday as the government allowed people above the age of 45 years to take the anti-COVID shots.
Nodal Officer Dr Jyoti Oberoi said: "During the previous phase of the vaccination drive, we were averaging 200 jabs per day. However, we have already covered 120 jabs today - and it is only 1 pm right now. This is the phase during which the most number of people will be coming out to get vaccinated."
Her counterpart Dr Leela Mane added: "People don't need to rush home to get a co-morbidities certificate anymore; they can either register themselves on online portals or walk in and get vaccinated. We have seen more of the latter today."
The floor has an observation room at the entrance where three medical volunteers overlooked a group of 25-30 people who had just got vaccinated, eating biscuits and
drinking water that they had been provided.
"Since more number of people are coming out to get vaccinated, the waiting time has also significantly increased - and now the weather too, is hot and humid, because of which people experience discomfort while waiting," said Oberoi. "We ask them to remain patient."
Jharkhande Ramnaresh Pathak, 77, walked in at 10 am, though he could get the vaccine three hours later. "I had gone to receive the vaccine on two occasions at SevenHills Hospital. But I could not take the long waiting lines while standing in the heat. Today has been much more convenientâ¦I don't mind waiting here on the first floor."
Medical Superintendent Dr Pramod Nagarkar said: "We would recommend people to pre-register because that saves time and effort for the staff. NGOs should come forward and help people in making groups and assigning them slots for the vaccination."
