New Delhi, Jan 15: Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday launched commemorative postal stamp to mark 1 year of Covid vaccination drive.

He said 70% adults are fully vaccinated and 93% received first jab in India.

The commemorative stamp design features a healthcare worker inoculating a senior citizen with COVID-19 vaccine, along with an image of ‘COVAXIN’ vial. This stamp signifies the remarkable work done by our frontline healthcare workers and scientific community across the country in protecting the people against the COVID pandemic.

Speaking on the occasion, Mandaviya said, “This is a historic occasion for us as postal stamp is being released on completion of one year of world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination program, which was rolled out in India on 16th January, 2021.  Within a span of one year, we have administered more than 156 Crore COVID-19. Our vaccination program is in fact a role model for the global community. It is because of Jan Bhagidari that India was able to achieve this feat. He thanked all the Healthcare professionals, scientific community, vaccine manufacturers and all the people for their relentless hardwork and dedication in fighting the Covid Pandemic.”

Highlighting the remarkable efforts of all the stakeholders in our collective fight against COVID-19, the Health Minister said, “The entire world community is surprised with  our efforts in fighting the COVID pandemic. Despite having a high density of population, we have been able to administer more than 156 Crore COVID-19 Vaccine doses. India has encountered various challenges along the journey but it is the resolve and dedication of more than 135 crore people that we could overcome every challenge. Credit goes to our indigenous Research and Development and streamlined Production and Distribution of Vaccines. Amidst the environment of criticism and disbelief, the country gathered its spirits and worked against those who wanted to spread doubts and misinformation against indigenous vaccines and create vaccine hesitancy.”

He further highlighted that India’s vaccination program is a story of the unparalleled journey of the country.

“It showcases the Indian model and the extraordinary achievement of our country guided by the unshakable conviction of the Prime Minister in the hidden potential and capabilities of the citizens of our country,” he added.