New Delhi: Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday (July 17, 2022) announced that India has reached the mark of two billion COVID-19 vaccine doses. India’s cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage crossed 200 crores today, 18 months after vaccination began in the country on 16 January 2021.
The Union Health Minister took to his Twitter handle to share a video of the country’s co-winning website counting two billion vaccine doses and captioned it, “17th July 2022, a day to remember forever. #200 crore vaccinations.”
17th July 2022, a day to remember forever. #200 crore vaccinations https://t.co/FtobFYBprV— Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya (@mansukhmandviya) 17 July 2022
“It is a matter of pride for us that India has crossed 2 billion doses of #COVID19 vaccine administered so far. I congratulate the health workers and citizens on this achievement,” said Dr Mansukh Mandaviya. Significantly, Mandaviya said that the country has started the countdown to the two billion figure on Saturday.
‘India has created history again’: PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extended his best wishes on the occasion and said, “India makes history again! Congratulations to all Indians on crossing the special mark of 200 crore vaccine doses. Proud of those who contributed to making India’s vaccination campaign unparalleled in scale and speed. It has strengthened the global fight against COVID-19.”
India made history again! Congratulations to all Indians on crossing the special mark of 200 crore vaccine doses. Proud of those who contributed to making India’s vaccination campaign unparalleled in scale and speed. It has strengthened the global fight against COVID-19. https://t.co/K5wc1U6oVM— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) 17 July 2022
Meanwhile, on Friday, the Indian government launched a 75-day campaign to encourage people to have free booster shots at government centers. The campaign also marks the completion of 75 years of India’s independence, which the country is completing next month.
WHO official appreciates India’s commitment to fight COVID-19
Regional Director WHO South-East Asia, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh also congratulated the country for achieving the milestone. “Congratulations to India for delivering over 2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses. This is yet another proof of the country’s commitment and efforts to mitigate the impact of the ongoing pandemic,” said Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh.
Congratulations to India for delivering over 2 billion COVID-19 vaccine doses. This is yet another testament to the country’s commitment and efforts to mitigate the impact of the ongoing pandemic: Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director WHO South-East Asia pic.twitter.com/fiaDsIKaRe— ANI (@ANI) 17 July 2022