PM says, preparations in full swing to vaccinate all against corona

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said that preparations were in full swing across the country to make coronavirus vaccine available to all, and emphasised on improved healthcare facilities.

After laying the foundation stone of a new All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Gujarat's Rajkot via videoconference, Modi said: "In 2020, there was a question mark from all sides due to Covid-19 pandemic. But 2021 is coming with the hope of treatment of Covid-19."

He said that he was optimistic about the way in which India fought unitedly against the infection, and it would similarly work hard to make the vaccination programme successful.

"The way in which people took proper steps is the reason why we are in good condition even amid the pandemic, despite a 1.3 billion population. More than one crore people have fought the pandemic and won. India's record is much better than other countries in fight against Covid-19," he said.

He said that the number of infections in India were going down.

Pointing out that 'health is wealth', Modi said: "This year taught us this maxim. When there is any attack on health, it affects the family and the entire society comes in its grip."

On the last day of the departing year, Modi paid tributes to Covid warriors. "I pay my humble tributes to all frontline warriors who lost their lives in the line of duty," Modi said, adding that the country also paid tributes to scientists, workers, doctors involved in the fight against Covid-19 and those working tirelessly for developing a vaccine for coronavirus.

For the new AIIMS project in Rajkot costing Rs 1,195 crore, 201 acres of land has been allotted. It is expected to be completed by mid-2022.

The state-of-the-art 750-bed hospital will have 30-bed AAYUSH block, offering 125 MBBS and 60 nursing seats to students.

(Based on IANS feed with edits)