Noting that the second wave of Covid-19 is testing people's patience and their limit to bear pain, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that this "toofan" (storm) has shaken the country after it was full of spirit and self-confidence after successfully tackling the first wave.
In his monthly Mann Ki Baat broadcast, Modi spoke to doctors, nurses and frontline workers, who shared their experience and views on the disease, and expressed confidence that people will soon come out of this crisis.
The over 30-minute broadcast was entirely focussed on the pandemic, which has been rampaging across the country for weeks, with Modi asserting that defeating the disease is the biggest priority.
He urged countrymen to go for vaccination against the disease and cautioned them against rumours about it.
Key points from his address:
1. The government of India is dedicated to taking forward the efforts of the state governments to tackle the current Covid-19 situation, says PM.
2. "I urge people to not fall prey to any rumour about vaccine. You all must be aware that Govt of India has sent free vaccine to all State Govts. All people above 45 years of age can benefit from this. From May 1, vaccines will be available for every person above 18 years of age," he said.
3. Country's corporate sector can also participate in vaccine drive by getting their employees vaccinated. Govt of India's free vaccination program will continue in future too. I request states to ensure benefits of this free vaccination program reaches as many people as possible, Modi added.
4. "We have to give priority to the expert and scientific advice at this time to win this battle," he said.
5. While people are getting affected by the disease, they are also recovering from it in big numbers, Modi said.
6. The Centre, he said, will continue to provide jabs free of cost to the eligible people (those over 45 years of age) and has been helping states in their efforts to deal with the disease with its full might.
In his last Mann ki Baat, Modi hailed the world's largest vaccination programme being carried out in India against the Covid-19 and stressed on "dawai bhi, kadai bhi" (medicines as well as strict preventive measures).
(With agency inputs)