'Pata hi nahi chala': PM Modi on taking the first shot of COVID-19 vaccine

Mumbai's Haffkine Institute gets Centre's nod to produce Covaxin

The Central Government has given permission to Haffkine Institute to produce Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. CM Uddhav Thackeray thanked PM Modi through a tweet by CM office, Maharashtra on April 15, "The Dept of Science and Technology, Government of India, has granted approval to Haffkine Institute to produce Bharat Biotech's Covaxin vaccine on a transfer of technology basis. CM Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray has thanked the Hon'ble PM Shri@narendramodi for approving this request."

Nurses share experience after administering COVID vaccine to PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took his second shot of COVID-19 vaccine at AIIMS, Delhi on April 08. He received the first dose of Bharat Biotech's COVAXIN on March 01. "I have given the second dose of COVAXIN to our Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. He spoke to us. It was a memorable moment for me as I got to meet him and vaccinate him," said Nisha Sharma, Nurse. "I am the vaccinator who gave the first dose of COVAXIN to PM Narendra Modi. Today, I got another opportunity to meet him and vaccinate him for the second time. I was elated again. He spoke to us, we even clicked pictures with him," said P Niveda, Nurse. The two nurses who administered COVID-19 vaccine to PM Narendra Modi at AIIMS, Delhi are-P Niveda from Puducherry and Nisha Sharma from Punjab.

320 COVAXIN doses go 'missing' from Jaipur hospital

In a shocking incident, COVAXIN doses allegedly went missing from cold storage of Jaipur's Hari Bux Kanwatia Government hospital. Total of 320 doses are absent from the place they were stored, police said citing complaint from the hospital. "We received report from the hospital that 320 doses of COVAXIN are missing from there. We have registered an FIR with charges of theft. Investigation is underway, CCTV footage will be checked. Action will be taken if any hospital staff is found involved," the official said.

COVID-19: India records highest ever spike of 2.17 lakh cases

COVID-19 situation continues to deteriorate across the country as there is no holding back to surge in cases. A day after daily cases breached 2-lakh mark, in April 15 India reported 2,17,353 new cases. Country's COVID caseload is at 1,42,91,917 with 15,69,743 active cases. 1,18,302 people were discharged in last 24 hours taking total recoveries to 1,25,47,866. With 1,185 new deaths, death toll has mounted to 1,74,308. According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), 26,34,76,625 samples tested for COVID-19. The COVID vaccination drive is underway across country. So far 11,72,23,509 COVID vaccine jabs have been inoculated.

High-level committee constituted for Eco-Health Initiatives in India: Harsh Vardhan

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan attended ICMR's 'One Health' symposium on April 12 and announced constitution of a high-level steering committee for Eco-Health Initiatives in India. He said, "COVID-19 demonstrates the rapid spread of novel pathogens which can have a significant impact on the global economy... Preparedness for, and mitigation of such events require a 'One Health' approach." He further said, "I'm pleased to announce the constitution of a high-level steering committee for Eco-Health Initiatives in India. This committee will have its secretariat hosted at the ICMR, and will be supported by the upcoming the National Institute for One Health."

People's health closely connected with that of animals': Harsh Vardhan

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan attended ICMR's 'One Health' symposium on April 12. He said, "With increased interaction between humans and animals, human health can't be seen in isolation and COVID-19 is more than a reminder... "One Health" approach recognises that people's health is closely connected with animals' health... Earth has experienced changes in climate and land use with practices like deforestation, intensive farming. Disruptions in environmental habitats can provide new opportunities for diseases to pass to animals."