Provide free COVID jab to economically weaker sections and senior citizens, Odisha Congress urges CM

Bhubaneswar: With the massive vaccination drive against COVID-19 began nationwide yesterday, Congress party requested the State Government for free vaccination to people belonging to below poverty line as well as senior citizens.

Congratulating Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on successful administration of COVID vaccines across the State on the first day of countrywide drive against Coronavirus, Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee President Niranjan Patnaik urged him to provide vaccines to economically weaker sections and senior citizens for free of cost.

“In view of economic condition of people in the State during COVID pandemic, I urge the Chief Minister for vaccination to BPL and senior citizens at free of cost,” the PCC chief told media today.

As many as 13,980 beneficiaries have been given the shots of COVID vaccines on the first day of the massive immunisation programme yesterday in Odisha. Six districts registered 100 percent vaccination in the drive without reporting any side effect.