NAGPUR: On one hand people are getting certificate of Covid-19 vaccination immediately after taking the jab.
On the other hand, people who had participated in human trials of Covishield vaccine at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in October and November last year are reportedly yet to get certificates.
It’s been six months since they took the second dose.
District-wise vaccination center in Nagpur.The matter came to light after one of the volunteers lodged complaint with the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
“I was given first dose of Covishield at superspeciality hospital on October 23, 2020, and second dose on November 27, 2020.
I underwent various tests, submitted numerous documents and complied with all directives for the trail,” he said.
The volunteer claimed that despite requesting GMCH doctors for certificate, they did not take it positively.
“Certificate are necessary for various things,” he said.
The person stated he lodged a complaint with the PMO on April 2.
“The complaint was closed on May 6 asking me to contact trial hospital for certificate.
Then, I received a certificate from a private agency GDD Experts but there is no date on it.
Even, name of manufacturer is not displayed.
I should get certificate from Government of India because I participated in trial at GMCH which is a government institution,” he said.
The certificate reads, “For service towards the nation in fight against Covid-19, this is to certify that you have participated in Covishield trial and have been vaccinated with both doses of Covishield vaccine at GMCH, Nagpur.” The beneficiary has filed an appeal on the previous complaint with PMO requesting government to issue certificate having date and all details.
“I have donated blood many times.
I risked my life for a good cause.
I never expected such bad treatment,” he said.
A doctor from GMCH who was associated with the trial on the condition of anonymity told TOI that participants are yet to get certificate.
“Entire study is yet not over.
Participants will get certificate after termination of study,” he said.
Dr Sushant Meshram was principal investigator for the trial.
He refused to share exact number of participants.
Before commencement of the trial, Dr Meshram had informed there were 50 volunteers in the trial.
Covishield’s trial at GMCH was phase-2/3, observer-blind, randomized, controlled study conducted on healthy adults.
It was conducted through Serum Institute of India (SII) at 17 centres in India.
Second trial centre in Vidarbha was Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences in Wardha.
Meanwhile, on Monday, 4,208 HCWs, frontline workers and 45-plus took first and second dose at district’s government centres which continue to give less than 5,000 jabs per day.
Beneficiaries also include some people from 18-44 years age group who took second dose of Covaxin.
As against 2,000 per day recorded earlier, the Kingsway Hospital could inoculate around 500 on Monday.
The hospital is among the two private hospitals in Vidarbha were vaccination of above 18 years is being done.
6 months on, participants of vaccine trial at GMCH await certificate
