Karnataka minister gets Covid-19 vaccine at home, Centre seeks report

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said this is not in the protocol and a report is sought

The Centre has sought a report from Karnataka on the controversy surrounding state minister BC Patil receiving the Covid-19 shot at his residence in Haveri district rather than getting it from a designated vaccination centre.

When asked about the incident, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan Tuesday said the Union government sought a report from Karnataka on doctors and nurses visiting an MLA's house for administering the vaccine. "It is not in the protocol and we have asked for a report from the state," he said.

Patil and his wife took the vaccine at his Hirekerur residence in Haveri district on the second day of the latest phase of the vaccination drive to cover people aged above 60 and those aged between 45 and 59 years with co-morbidities.

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The minister tweeted, "Took the #COVID19Vaccine with my wife, at my Hirekerur house from the government doctors today. While 'Made In India' vaccines are being immensely appreciated by many countries, some vested interest groups are spreading false information about the vaccines."

As soon as the message was released on social media, many users questioned Patil's decision to take the vaccine at home. He, however, defended himself, claiming that he had not committed any crime and wanted to avoid trouble for the public.

Since the vaccination for 27 crore citizens began on Monday, many politicians including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan have received the shot.