Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Jul 31: Non Resident Indians (NRI), who had come back to India during Covid lockdown are facing an uphill task of getting vaccinated in order to return back to overseas countries where they live and work. A vaccination camp was held through the Red Cross society for NRIs. However, due to a shortage of vaccines, the camp is not held now. As per the present procedure, vaccination is done to NRIs at Wenlock hospital since June 26 through annexure of RMO, on producing passport and valid visa.

On July 24, 26 and 27, 174, 99 and 96 people received the annexure from the RMO, who is also nodal officer. Though they got the seal and signature of RMO, they do not get tokens at vaccination centres.

At Wenlock vaccination centre 70 NRIs and 200 others are vaccinated every day. Thirty NRIs who got tokens on July 27 are yet to be vaccinated. On July 28, 98 people were given the signed annexure. On July 29 only 100 doses of vaccines were available. Now in total 146 NRIs are pending to be vaccinated. On July 29 another 100 NRIs will bring annexure. Personnel working in vaccination centres are having a tough time distributing vaccines to NRIs and others out of the just 100 doses that are made available to them.

Deputy commissioner Dr Rajendra K V said, “Now everyday 70 NRIs are being vaccinated. The supply is less. We are getting demands from everywhere. We have vaccinated many people in camps. In the coming days, those who have got annexures will be vaccinated. Every day the dose numbers will be increased to 150. If camp is held in between it will be easier to manage vaccination.”

Yathish Baikampady, member of executive committee of Red Cross Society of Dakshina Kannada says, “NRIs are hardworking people who go to overseas countries for work. Already we have held many camps and administered vaccines to them. If the district administration provides us with vaccines, though it is difficult for us, we will conduct camps. We give priority to those who are going to join new companies, those who arrived on their vacation and even those who are going abroad for education purposes.”

NRI Teena Poojary says, “I have to go back to Dubai. So I came to Wenlock and waited in line after getting the token. When my turn came, they asked me to bring annexure. When I went to get an annexure, they said that I took the first dose in Maharashtra and had to go there only. When I went on the next day they said they do not have application forms. Now I have got the annexure after three days. I have still not received the token for vaccination.”