Amid the growing demand for drive-in vaccination for senior citizens, Thane city Mayor
Naresh Mhaske
on Monday said that the corporation is fully prepared for the initiative, but they don't have enough vaccine doses.
On Friday, the Thane Citizens Foundation, a forum of housing societies, had demanded a drive-in facility for 60 plus people and those with disabilities.
In a letter to
Thane Municipal Corporation
(
TMC) chief,
it has also expressed willingness to provide a place and logistic support with professional volunteers and doctors helping the TMC medical team.
The drive-in vaccination has been taking place in Mumbai for the elderly.
Speaking to TOI, Mhaske said, "We are not getting enough vaccines, and to start a drive-in facility, we need to have enough stock. If the stock is available, we are prepared to launch the initiative."
Mhaske also said that there are not many large grounds or places, but they are willing to conduct in parking areas of the mall. "If a person is vaccinated, one needs to wait for half an hour. There has to be enough place for cars too."
Stating that even if they get 2,500 vaccines, they immediately distribute it among the centres, the Mayor added, "There are 42 centres, and whatever stock they get ends in a day or two."
"On a daily basis, we can vaccinate 20,000 people, but for that we need doses. We just don't want to launch a drive-in facility to show-off."
Crowd waiting outside the vaccination centre to get a jab. Photo: Prashant Narvekar
When asked about vaccination drive in housing societies, Mhaske said that they have kept the policy ready where private hospitals can tie up with societies following all the protocols and guidelines.
"When the state is not getting enough vaccines, how will private hospitals get (enough)?," the Mayor asked.
With the
COVID-19
number falling down in the city, Mhaske added that lockdown has proved effective if followed properly, we will see better results.
On Sunday, Thane reported 406 new cases, the lowest since March 16. The active cases have dropped below 6,000.