Mumbai: BMC corporators help citizens register on app for COVID-19 jab

A person is vaccinated at Nair Hospital on Thursday. Pic/Suresh Karkera

Amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Mumbai, local corporators from across the city have turned good samaritans by lending a helping hand to those who are registering for vaccine.

In order to help people from the slums register on the Co-Win app, some corporators have either set up or are planning help desks to counsel people about the apprehensions they may have about the vaccination drive.

Speaking to Times of India, Andheri MLA Ameet Satam said that five BJP corporators in his assembly constituency have set up desks at party offices. On the other hand, Satam said that he would set up help desks at places where they do not have party corporators.

The BJP leader has urged the civic body to take the vaccination drive to housing societies and complexes that have a minimum of 100 potential beneficiaries. Health posts must be held in slums to create more awareness, he said.

On March 25, Satam wrote a letter to BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) commissioner I.S. Chahal, stating, "Looking at rising cases, and the lukewarm response to vaccination, it is important to create more awareness. The response from slums is very poor."

Two days ago Juhu BJP corporator Renu Hansraj, who started a help desk for those from Nehru Nagar, said, "I have spoken to Cooper Hospital dean about the initiative. We are helping those from slums to register via the app, and sending them the date and time when they can get vaccinated. If needed, we are counseling them on why they must take the vaccine."

Hansraj added, "Many fear they may get fever or have side effects after taking the vaccine, but we are telling them that they need not worry, as these conditions subside."

While some corporators have demanded that the BMC provide home vaccinations for the disabled and bed-ridden senior citizens, additional municipal commissioner (health) Suresh Kakani said the civic body has requested the Union Government to allow home vaccination. However, he stated, "As per Government of India guidelines it is not possible (for now)."