Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday stressed on the need to maintain the pace of Covid vaccination and called for special efforts in areas where the vaccination is low.
PM Modi held a review meeting with officials of districts where Covid vaccination coverage has been lower than the national average.
The PM also asked officials to knock on every door to ensure 100% vaccination in their areas.
"So far you've been working to take people to vaccination centres, now it's time to reach every house and work with 'har ghar dastak' campaign," he said.
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He told officials to ensure 1st dose for unvaccinated people, but give equal attention to 2nd dose.
Hailing the hard work done by healthcare officials, PM said this is not the time to relax.
"The progress made so far is due to your hard work. Every member of administration, ASHA workers worked a lot. They walked for miles and took vaccination to remote locations. But if we become lax after one billion (doses), a new crisis can come," PM Modi said.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from at least 40 districts that are seeing a significant lag in Covid-19 vaccination for adults.
He urged the officials to formulate special strategies for such areas and focus on dispelling myths around vaccine.
Pointing out that he recently met Pope Francis at the Vatican City, the prime minister said special emphasis was needed on taking message of religious leaders spreading awareness and encouraging the vaccination drive to the people.
He urged the district officials to take the help of local religious leaders to spread awareness about Covid-19 vaccines and fight rumours.
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