Daily News Capsule

A covid-19 vaccination drive is arriving for 18 years and above candidates, 1.3 crore people are registering themselves on the government’s cowin portal for the vaccine shot. However, not getting available slots for the immunization. Candidates are struggling in using the online portal, some complaining about the technical problems they are facing while browsing the portal, saying it has crashed or not responding.

This happened on Wednesday, 28 may, when the covid spread has crossed over 2 lakh cases and the situation overwhelmed by the shortage of beds and oxygen.

Amid the second wave of corona infection, 3 lakh cases are a regular record in Delhi. The overwhelming health facilities and crematoriums waiting for an urgent response from allies off-shore sending equipment.

At this point, India is hoping for a vast vaccination and opened portals for registrations for all the 18 above candidates to get the advantage of vaccines. But the topic of concern is that the world’s largest country producing vaccines is now on the verge of collapse in managing health infrastructure and vaccine shots. After the registration began, 600 million more people became eligible for the vaccination, along with the elderly and those with other medical conditions.

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Candidates who tried for the registration and could not get the slots are complaining on social media saying that they could not register themselves, as the website was repeatedly crashed.

“Tried registering and blocking a slot for vaccination,” said a user on Twitter. “Failed multiple times,” another user said. Those who were already eligible were still struggling to find the dose.

Moreover, many state governments have already handed up and said they may not be able to begin the vaccination from May 1, due to the shortage of supplies and a large number of eligible candidates. The big milestone is the large population of India, which is making it hard for even 50% population to get vaccinated.

Also, the vaccination facility for the 45 plus candidates will continue in private hospitals till the end of the month. Afterward, the vaccination rollout for this category will be done only in government hospitals.

RS Sharma, CEO of the national health authority, has clarified why the people are not able to register themselves, and when they will be able to book appointments. Speaking to a news agency, he said, “Some States and hospitals may come on board on May 1 or later, therefore, the visibility into the bookings/vacancy available for vaccination will be available when States, hospitals come on board.”

On the issues of the Cowin portal, the union health ministry said on Wednesday, the media reports that the server has crashed are incorrect and without any basis. The ministry admits that they witnessed more than 80 lakh people registering themselves on the Cowin portal within 3 hours.

The health ministry underlined that vaccination is an essential component of the containment and management strategy of the Indian government to fight against the virus.

“A liberalised and accelerated Phase 3 strategy of covid-19 vaccination will be implemented from May 1. Registration for the new eligible population groups commenced today from 4 pm. Potential beneficiaries can register directly on the Co-WIN portal (cowin.gov.in) or through the Aarogya Setu app,” the Ministry said.
Also, the ministry denied the reports of the Cowin portal being unresponsive and overshooting or crashing the server.

The people who are eligible for the vaccination drive can register themselves which is the age group between 18-44 on the Cowin portal. To Register yourself on the Cowin portal please go through the coWIN website.

Related article: How to do registration for covid-19 vaccine for 18 years and above candidates 

Hence, the vaccination drive will start from Saturday, May 1, under phase 3 of covid-19 vaccination.