When lakhs of people are waiting for their first dose of COVID-19 vaccines in Kerala, a state government sponsored free vaccination drive at Holy Family Church in Shakthikulangara (Kollam district) has triggered massive controversy. There is even an allegation of Kerala health minister Veena George for taking the initiative to organise this vaccination drive.
Earlier also, there were accusations of massive foul play in the vaccination drive since many common people were unable to book their vaccine slots at the COWIN portal. There was also an allegation of only CPM activists and their families getting jabs.
As per the reports, around 500 people who registered via church received vaccines at the parish hall. Earlier, there were messages circulating in the WhatsApp groups related to the Church about free vaccine drive. The phone numbers of Church-related people were also given for queries. A spot registration facility was also set up.
Many religious and charity organisations have been conducting vaccination drives but it is done after tie-up with private hospitals and these are paid vaccines. This is the first of a kind where government-sponsored vaccines were distributed at a Church parish hall.
