As India battles the second wave of Covid-19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ radio programme advised people to take vaccines and ignore the rumours being spread. He said that a “storm” of infections had shaken the country and the second wave of Covid is testing our patience and capacity to bear the pain. “Today, I am expressing Mann Ki Baat at a time when Corona is testing our patience; it is testing the limits of all of us at enduring misery. Many of our near and dear ones have left us untimely. After successfully confronting the first wave of Corona, the country was full of enthusiasm, full of self-confidence, but this storm has shaken the country,” PM Modi said.
In his monthly programme Mann Ki Baat , Modi spoke to doctors, nurses and frontline workers, who shared their experience and views on the disease and expressed confidence that people will soon come out of this crisis.
“This time, for emerging victorious in this battle, we have to accord priority to expert and scientific advice. The Government of India is applying its entire might to give a fillip to the endeavours of State Governments. The State Governments too are trying their best to fulfill their responsibilities,” he said.
The Prime Minister also appealed to the people to seek information on COVID-19 through reliable sources only.
“I urge all of you…if you need any information, if you have any apprehension, get the information only from the correct source. You can consult your family doctor or doctors in the neighbourhood on the phone. I am noticing that many of our doctors are taking upon themselves this responsibility, on their own. Many doctors are providing information to people through social media. They are counselling on the phone and WhatsApp. Many hospitals have websites where information is available…there you can seek the advice of doctors too. This is commendable,” PM Modi added.
Don’t fall for rumours about vaccines: PM Modi
He urged countrymen to go for vaccination against the disease and cautioned them against rumours about it. “It is my appeal that don’t get swayed by any rumour about the vaccine. You all must be knowing that people above 45 years of age can benefit from the free vaccine that has been sent to all state governments by the government of India. Now from 1st May onwards, the vaccine is going to be made available for every person above 18 years in the country. Now the Corporate Sector, companies too will be able to participate in the programme of administering a vaccine to their employees. I also want to say that the programme of free vaccine by the government of India that is going on now will continue further too. I appeal also to the states to extend the benefit of this free vaccine campaign of the government of India to the maximum number of the people of their state,” PM Modi said.
India Covid-19 tally
As per Union Health Ministry, India reported 3,49,691 fresh coronavirus cases and 2,767 related deaths in the last 24 hours. The country’s total infection count has gone to 1,69,60,172 cases, while 1,92,311 people have so far succumbed to the viral infection.
In his 30-minute address to the nation, PM Modi’s entire conversation was focused on the corona pandemic. “Our biggest priority is to defeat this disease,” PM Modi said. “Dawaibhi, Kadaibhi – Get vaccinated and maintain all precautions. Never forget this mantra. We will soon prevail together over this calamity,” PM Modi signed off.
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