Trichy: Man dead 5 months ago got dose 2 now, says SMS

TRICHY: The family of a deceased man in Trichy was surprised to receive acknowledgement for his second dose of vaccination on his mobile phone which was being used by them. Suspecting misuse of the man’s credentials for vaccination, the family urged the district administration and health department to inquire into the incident.

The deceased, Selvaraj Govindhachettiyar, hailing from Beschi street in Woraiyur, had taken his first dose at MGMGH on April 28. Two weeks later, he contracted Covid-19 and succumbed to the infection on May 15. However, on Saturday the family received the acknowledgement message of his second dose Covishield vaccination on his mobile phone. According to the vaccination certificate, Selvaraj, five months after his death, has taken the second dose at a mini-clinic in Trichy during the seventh mass vaccination camp. “We wonder whether his personal information was misused further for the vaccination programme,” N S Karthi, son-in-law of Selvaraj, told TOI.

Deputy director of health services A Subramani said a clerical mistake in updating the mobile number on CoWin platform had caused the gaffe and there was no intention to show high vaccination numbers. A section of medical officers involved in vaccination duty blamed the mess on the targets set for them at the mass drives on consecutive weeks, which caused fatigue and stress.