BHUBANESWAR: The Covid-19 vaccination drive began at 161 sites spread across 30 districts of the state on Saturday.
Biranchi Nayak, 51, a sweeper in Capital Hospital of Bhubaneswar became the first person to get the Covid vaccine Covaxin on Saturday.
"I am happy and excited that I received the much-awaited vaccine. I am feeling well, " said Biranchi Nayak, the sanitary worker.
After taking the first Covid-19 vaccine jab, Director of Capital Hospital Laxmidhar Sahu appealed to people to get vaccinated without fear and apprehension.
"I have taken the Covid-19 vaccine. As you can see I am completely fine and healthy after the observation period. So I urge all not to believe in rumours and fake news and come forward for vaccination, " said Sahu.
Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra informed that a total of 16, 100 healthcare workers would receive the Covid-19 vaccine on the first day.
"A Class IV staff of Capital Hospital took the 1st jab followed by the director of the facility and another doctor. This is a big day for us in the fight against Covid-19, " said Mohapatra.
He said 1.92 lakh healthcare workers would receive vaccine within a week using the available vials in the first phase.
The state has received 4.08 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine and 20, 000 doses of Covaxin vaccine in the first phase.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik interacted with beneficiaries at a particular site in each district.
In the first phase, 9, 000 health workers will be administered vaccine under the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) area.
After getting the first dose, Umakant Satpathy, additional director of Directorate of Medical Education and Training (DMET), appealed all to take the vaccine so that precious lives can be saved. A
Union Minister Dharmedra Pradhan said this is a historic day for the citizens of India.
Roll-out of Covid-19 vaccination drive by Prime Minister Narendra Modi across the country, including in 160 centres in Odisha, is a significant moment in our fight against the pandemic. Everyone has a crucial role in the immunisation drive, said Pradhan.