New Delhi: The Indian Medical Association (IMA), the largest representative body of modern medicine doctors, today urged all its .5 lakh members in 1800 local branches to voluntarily come together to get vaccinated first to show to the world that “vaccines are safe and efficacious.
The IMA said that after an extensive review of scientific data, indexed articles, expert panel reports and in discussion with IMA, ICMR and WHO experts, the association has decided to actively take part in the mission of COVID vaccination programme rolled out by the Indian Government.
The IMA appreciated and congratulated the hard work of Indian scientists, modern medicine doctors and the Govt. of India for bringing out two Indian vaccines against SARS Covid-19.
“All infrastructure facilities of IMA branches across the country will be available voluntarily for this vaccination programme and all our members of Indian Medical Association will voluntarily serve with technical and supportive manpower,” the IMA said in a statement.
“IMA believes getting vaccination is not only to protect the individual but also to bring herd immunity to the community thereby raising the hope to control the corona pandemic,” it added. Speaking to Republic, Dr Jayesh Lele who is the Secretary-General of the IMA also had a message for those doubting India’s vaccines, saying “Don’t worry, doctors will be in the frontlines. All the precautions will be taken”, it added.
The COVID-19 vaccination programme will be launched from January 16 across the country.