Siliguri witnesses protests over vaccine ‘anomaly’ and shortage: Suspect a racket of brokers , controlling the vaccination process

Protesters suspect brokers controlling jab drive; raise a blockade at Asian Highway II alleging shortage of jabs at a school that has been running a jab drive for a week

The blockade of Asian Highway 2 at Bagdogra on Thursday.: Passang Yolmo

Binita Paul   |   TT  |  Siliguri   |   25.06.21: Two places in Siliguri subdivision on Thursday witnessed protests over alleged anomalies in vaccination and lack of jabs.

At the Siliguri district hospital, people who gathered to get their jabs flew into rage, alleging that touts were controlling the vaccination and they were not provided with coupons for the dose despite standing in queue since early morning.

“A stranger prepared a list of 100 names. Those sitting at the counter issued a few coupons and told us that there were no more coupons. We suspect a racket of brokers has become active at the hospital and is controlling the vaccination process,” said Satyajit Sen, a resident of Subhashpally in Siliguri.

The protesters alleged that some people who had arrived late had their names on the list and were seen carrying coupons.

“We had been standing in the queue since 3am but did not get coupons. But some others, who arrived hours later, got vaccines. This cannot happen unless middlemen are involved in the process. The district health department should look into the issue. Such anomalies should not continue at a government hospital,” said another aggrieved person.

Residents raised a blockade on Asian Highway II at Bagdogra on Thursday morning, alleging shortage of jabs at a school where a vaccination camp had been going on for a week. “We have been standing in queues for hours for the past three-four days at the school but eventually, we are told everyday that the stock has exhausted,” said a resident.

The blockade was withdrawn after 45 minutes following assurance from police officers that necessary action would be taken.

A senior official of Darjeeling district health department said: “We need to know what exactly led to the protests. If any anomaly is found, we will take appropriate steps. Our officers are monitoring the entire vaccination process to ensure that people do not face any harassment.”

(https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/protests-over-vaccine-anomaly-and-shortage-in-siliguri/cid/1820011)