When the Volunteer System was introduced by Jagan Mohan Reddy's government two years ago, the opposition party made fun of it. Even some sections of the public couldn't make out what exactly this system could do.
But today, with the help of 2.66 lakh volunteers Andhra Pradesh could make a national record in vaccinating 13 lakh people in a single day. Though the Asha Workers and ANMs also played a very vital role, it was the huge number of volunteers that made all the difference.
Jagan is not focussing on publicising this huge feat. There are no complaints or allegations on any of the welfare schemes that are being implemented in the state.
Even the distribution of house documents was also held efficiently. The volunteer system has been playing a key role in identifying the beneficiaries of welfare schemes, thereby preventing any swindling or misuse.
The YSRCP government is going on crediting the amounts under various schemes to all the beneficiaries every month. This is leaving no room for any criticism or disappointment from the people. A recently leaked video in which a TDP worker mentioned this point openly to his party leaders is evidence for this.
Today, the mega vaccine drive is completed in Andhra Pradesh. The response has been pretty good from the public as well. The state has set a new record in the Covid vaccination.
About 13 lakh people (1.3 million) are vaccinated by the Health department in a single day. The vaccine drive has surpassed the single day target of 11 lakh. The drive was held in 2232 centers. The people above 45 years of age and the mothers of less than five year old children are inoculated.
The state has performed this feat with 40,000 Asha Workers, 11000 ANMs and 2.66 lakh volunteers. With this effective implementation the state has proved that it can inoculate the entire state population within a month's time if the vaccines are provided sufficiently.
Each volunteer represents 50 households on an average. All the volunteers identify the deserving people for vaccination in their respective 50 households.
Right now, the people who are above 45 years of age and the mothers of less than five year old children are identified by the volunteers. They took the aadhar card details of the beneficiaries and uploaded them into the system. This entire procedure takes a lot of time if there is no system to do this job.
When there is no system to shortlist, the people of all age groups may try their luck and get crowded at the vaccination centers. But with the volunteer system, everything went on smoothly.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also appreciated AP earlier for conducting the highest number of tests every day with the help of a volunteer system. In a video conference with the Chief Ministers of different states, he mentioned that the state volunteer system in AP is impressive and the other states also should inspire and follow the model.
Pinakapani Lakkaraju
