Narayana Health and GiveIndia launch free vaccination drive for poor in Bengaluru

Narayana Health and non profit GiveIndia vaccinated about 2,000 migrant workers and people from low income groups as a part of free Covid vaccination drive in Bengaluru on Saturday.

“This is just the beginning of the drive. We are working out modalities to vaccinate a large number of people in a short span,” Narayana Health chairman Dr Devi Shetty said at the virtual launch of the vaccination drive.

The initiative intends to vaccinate those in the 18-44 age group from low income families since the government run vaccination centres are yet to provide free vaccination to this category. Kolkata is likely to be the next city where the free vaccination drive will be held, followed by other cities, according to organisers.


Devi Shetty urged affluent families to sponsor vaccination to less privileged to ensure a large coverage of Covid vaccine. “We have a small window of opportunity to inoculate as many people as possible before the third wave strikes,” he said.

“A poor family of four will find it expensive to get everyone vaccinated in a private hospital and awaiting their turn might endanger their health and livelihoods. When you get your vaccine, please think about donating another vaccine to GiveIndia’s campaign,” Dr Shetty appealed.

GiveIndia CEO Atul Satija said the initiative aims to make Covid vaccination affordable across India. “This drive will help us inoculate low-income communities against Covid in a timely manner and protect the most vulnerable from the pandemic,” he said.