India vaccinates over 80 lakh people on first day of new regime

New Delhi : India on Monday vaccinated more than 80 lakh people in a day, highest single-day coverage till date, specially when new vaccine regime was introduced by the Central government.

According to CoWin data available online, 80,95,314 vaccine shots were administered today till 8:00 PM.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded people's effort and mass vaccination on the first day.

"The vaccine remains our strongest weapon to fight COVID-19. Congratulations to those who got vaccinated and kudos to all the front-line warriors working hard to ensure so many citizens got the vaccine. Well done India!" PM Modi wrote on Twitter.

On Monday, free vaccination for all above 18 years started in India. Nearly a month ago, the Centre revised its policy and announced that they will purchase 75% of the total vaccine production and with the help of state administration it will provide free vaccination for all adults in India.

Private hospitals will continue to buy the remaining 25 per cent and inoculate those willing to pay for their jabs, the Prime Minister had announced earlier this month.

Before Monday, the highest number of single day vaccination was on April 2 when 42,65,157 doses were administered.

"Central Government is beginning the 'Free Vaccination For All campaign' for every Indian from today. The biggest beneficiary of this phase of India's vaccination drive shall be the poor, the middle class and the youth of the country. All of us should pledge to get ourselves vaccinated. Together we will defeat COVID-19," PM Modi tweeted earlier today.