India completed the landmark of administering 1 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses on Thursday, with the government promoting the achievement in song and video. On achieving the feat, PM Narendra Modi said the country had “scripted history”. “We are witnessing the triumph of Indian science, enterprise and collective spirit of 130 crore Indians. Congrats India on crossing 100 crore vaccinations. Gratitude to our doctors, nurses and all those who worked to achieve this feat,” he tweeted.
PM not only appreciated but also marked the occasion by interacting with healthcare workers and a security guard at a government hospital in New Delhi. The health ministry announced musical and other programmes across the country, and special illuminations of national monuments including a colonial-era jail.
The World Health Organization (WHO), which relies heavily on India for supplies to its global vaccine-sharing platform COVAX, congratulated the country for reaching the 1 billion landmark.
Poonam Khetrapal Singh, regional director WHO South-East Asia said that “India’s progress must be viewed in the context of the country’s commendable commitment and efforts to ensure that these life-saving vaccines are accessible globally”.
