Health workers treated with chocolates, cakes and juices

New Delhi, Jan. 16: Healthcare workers at a hospital here who received the jab on the first day of India’s massive vaccination drive against Covid-19 were treated with chocolates, cakes and juices after the shots, bringing smiles on the faces of many after initial apprehension. Some of them recalled the difficult months spent during the coronavirus pandemic.

At the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality hospital (RGSSH), those vaccinated were surprised with these gift hampers. Dr Ajeet Jain, nodal officer of Covid-19 and cardio surgeon at the hospital, said: “The gift hampers were not pre-planned. It just happened and we are happy that they brought smiles on the faces of volunteers. We will think about whether to continue or not.”

Each day 100 people at this centre will be administered the vaccine. Dr Vikas Dogra, head of the pulmonology department, was the first health worker who received the vaccination on Saturday at the hospital. “I am happy that I was the first person who got the vaccine at the Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital. I didn’t feel any difficulty during and after the vaccination,” he said.

Till 2 pm, 37 health workers received the vaccine shot at the RGSSH. Nursing staff Shaheen Riyazuddin, who tested Covid-19 positive twice in April 2020, said: “The doctor told me that it happened due to my weak immune system. Our seniors briefed us about the vaccination and said there was no need to worry. I was informed yesterday that I will get the vaccine on Saturday. I was slightly nervous while going inside the centre, but after the jab, everything is fine,” she said.