Have faith in scientists, go get yourself vaccinated: Manipal Hospitals chairman Dr Sudarshan Ballal

BENGALURU: Karnataka Covid-19 Expert Committee member and Manipal Hospitals Chairman Dr Sudarshan Ballal has urged citizens to get themselves vaccinated when their turn comes “because we need to have all the tools available to fight the covert scourge.”

“Today was a red letter day for all of us in the healthcare field,” he said, after receiving a shot of vaccine on Saturday at the Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru. “I am privileged to be one of the first few recipients of this vaccine today,” he said.

“The process of vaccination was extremely smooth right from the time I entered the centre till the time I left. The staff was very courteous and professional. They explained the whole procedure, mentioned the side effects and observed me for half an hour after administering the vaccine. After two hours of the vaccination I’m feeling fine with no side-effects so far. I am due for the next dose after four weeks. Please do not go by the fake news and rumours about the side-effects of this vaccine and have faith in the scientists that have developed it and used it,” Dr Ballal said in a statement.


After being bruised and battered by the pandemic for over a year, India has finally come up with the indigenous vaccine that’s manufactured in India , tested in India and rolled out by the PM, he said. “Even after the vaccination we still need to maintain social distancing wear masks and frequent hand washing. Please do not let your guard down,” the Manipal Hospitals chairman said.

Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw described the vaccination launch as a proud moment. She, however, urged the government to reconsider its decision to not indemnify manufacturers as countries across the world are indemnifying vaccine manufacturers.