We have to defeat every system spreading rumours about COVID vaccines: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that the system spreading misinformation and rumours about coronavirus vaccines needs to be defeated.
Interacting with youngsters, artists taking part in the Republic Day parade, PM Modi said, "I request you to come forward to help the country in COVID-19 vaccination. You have to provide the right information to the poor and general public... We have to defeat every system spreading misinformation and rumours."
India on January 16 launched the much-anticipated vaccination drive at 3,006 session sites across all states and Union territories. The drive began days after the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), the country’s drugs regulator gave its nod to Covishield and indigenously developed Covaxin of Bharat Biotech, for restricted emergency use.
PM Modi had earlier cautioned people of the country against rumours and propaganda over COVID-19 vaccines, saying scientists gave nod to two made-in-India vaccines after being sure of their effects.
Earlier on Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah hit out at those who have been criticising the efficacies of COVID-19 vaccines and gave them an open challenge for a debate.
Asserting that there should be no politics on public health, Shah said there are some people who are spreading misinformation on COVID-19 vaccine.
Speaking at a function in Guwahati, the home minister said, "There are some people who are spreading misinformation on vaccine. Come to another platform and let's have a duel. But why are you creating doubt over people's health and doing politics? There are other issues for that.”
The senior BJP leader said the vaccines developed by Indian scientists are fully safe and the personnel from all forces will be vaccinated after health workers are covered.
"I appeal to all of you to go for the vaccine when your turn comes. Do not have any doubt over its efficacy. We've already launched the world's biggest vaccination drive," he said after launching 'Ayushman CAPF' to extend the benefit of the central health insurance programme to all the armed police forces in India.
