Working for the vaccination against the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic of the underprivileged people, a group of citizens has now extended its reach. They have reached out to the transgender community, who do not generally figure when any healthcare facility is to be extended to the society at large.
The VaxAll Initiative saw 169 transgenders being inoculated against Coronavirus at a private hospital on June 12 (Monday), in the city of Pune, Maharashtra.
To ease the whole process of vaccination, the volunteers' group set up an exclusive vaccination centre at the Sancheti Hospital. Meant exclusive for the transgenders this four-day programme began on July 12 and will end on July 15.
Besides, organising this vaccination centre, in order to be able to extend this facility for the maximum number of transgenders, a programme too has been put in place. This outreach programme is to spread awareness among the community members to make sure that maximum number benefit for this special vaccination centre.
Talking to the news agency PTI, the Founder of VaxAll Initiative Raj Hajela said: "Rapid vaccination is the only hope to control Covid-19, and we as citizens decided to support the wonderful work already being done by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Government.” He said ," VaxAll Initiative founder Raj Hajela said. He added that their mission is to ensure "vaccination for all".
Hajela expressed his gratitude to the PMC Additional Commissioner Rubal Agarwal, Nyati Builders, Sancheti Hospital, Robin Hood Army (social organisation) and transgender activist Laxmi Narayan Tripathi for their help in making this happen.
It was Tripathi who lauded the initiative to support one of the most challenged sections of society.
The Serum Institute of India’s CEO, Adar Poonawalla, was present at the vaccination drive for transgenders started at the Sancheti Hospital. He tweeted, "I have always believed that healthcare and dignity should be fundamental human rights. I look forward to collaborating with @ImLaxmiNarayan in providing equal opportunities to the transgender community in India."
On this occasion, Poonawala also said that he would collaborate with transgender rights activist Tripathi to provide equal opportunities in the field of healthcare to the community in India.
In his tweet he stated: “I have always believed that healthcare and dignity should be fundamental human rights. I look forward to collaborate with Laxmi Narayan Tripathi in providing equal opportunities to the transgender community in India.”
I have always believed that healthcare and dignity should be fundamental human rights. I look forward to collaborate with @ImLaxmiNarayan in providing equal opportunities to the transgender community in India. pic.twitter.com/spxi1XCZ78
— Adar Poonawalla (@adarpoonawalla) July 12, 2021
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