Chennai, June 1 (BPNS)
While the suburban areas of Chennai like Chengalpattu, Thiruvalur, and Kancheepuram are showing signs of a spike in Covid -19 cases the vaccination of youngsters in the age group of 18-44 in these areas have almost stopped and people are rushing to private hospitals in Chennai to get a jab.
The private hospitals in Chennai are charging anything between 850 to 900 rupees for a jab and coupled with the cost of transport from the suburban areas to the city has burned a hole in the pocket of these youths.
Mahendra Kumar, 28, a local businessman at Chengalpattu while speaking to BPNS said, “ I came to Chennai for a jab as there is a shortage of vaccine in Chengalpattu and I had to shell out Rs 850 for vaccination. I came by a hired vehicle and had to shell out around 900 rupees for that and other miscellaneous expenses had also to be taken care of. I could afford this but there is umpteen youths who are in no position to come to Chennai and do a jab. Government must immediately act and make available vaccine for all.”
In areas like Poonamalle, Tambaram, and Porur there is no update in the CoWIN portal even after registering two days back. Manoj Mahadevan a retired officer with a public sector undertaking and president of Tambaram (1) resident association while speaking to BPNS said,” My nephew and his friend have registered with the CoWIN portal on Saturday and today is Tuesday, there is no information. Only option is to go to Chennai and get vaccinated in a private hospital.”
Interestingly Chennai district have received 20.4 lakh vaccinations,the three districts of Chengalpattu, Tiruvallur, and Kancheepuram together have got only 7.02 lakh vaccines till Monday evening.
In areas like Chitlapakam and Seliyur people are returned home due to shortage. Mahesh Krishnamoorthy of Swadeshi Jagaran Manch who is active in creating awareness among the people on vaccination while speaking to BPNS said, “ There is a disparity in the allocation of vaccines in Tamil Nadu and it has to be rectified immediately as there is a spike in cases in rural Tamil Nadu and the suburban centres of Chennai needs to be inoculated as early as possible.”
The health department officials however said that the department is looking into the disparities of vaccine allocation and said that this would be rectified in a few days as the state is expecting more quantity of vaccines.
