Mumbai: Centre gives nod to 29 private hospitals to join COVID-19 vaccination drive

“It will accelerate vaccination as citizens can access nearby centres,” said Suresh Kakani, additional municipal commissioner.

Private hospitals not enrolled for any government health scheme can now join the COVID-19 vaccination drive. The Centre, on Tuesday, gave nod to 29 such private hospitals in Mumbai.

These hospitals will start giving the jab in a couple of days which will help in mobilizing vaccine stocks and bring an order to the programme, an official said. The charge of the jab is Rs 250 per dose, reports Times of India.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) faced criticism on Monday due to the chaos and overcrowding in different vaccination centres.

 Mumbai’s big trust-run hospitals have been roped in the purpose. Hospitals like Balabhai Nanavati in Vile Parle, Wockhardt in Mumbai Central, Saifee, P D Hinduja in Mahim, Powai’s LH Hiranandani, Holy Family in Bandra, Lilavati in Bandra, Bombay Hospital in Marine Lines, Breach Candy, Karuna in Borivli, Kokilaben in Andheri, Holy Spirt in Andheri (East) and Parel’s Tata Memorial, among others, can now run vaccination centres. Wockhardt can start vaccinating from Wednesday, Civic officials said.

Also, 22 vaccination centres are already active.

“It will accelerate vaccination as citizens can access nearby centres,” said Suresh Kakani, additional municipal commissioner.

Dr Santosh Shetty, CEO of Kokilaben Ambani Hospital in Andheri, which is among the 29 private hospitals that can vaccinate senior citizens, said: “More the number of hospitals, more people can get vaccinated. People want to get the vaccine at a hospital they are comfortable with and closer to their home,” he added.

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