Controversy after MBBS medicos allege JIPMER of pressurizing them to take Covishield jab
Puducherry: Levying serious allegations against the premier Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education & Research (JIPMER), the MBBS students of the institute have claimed that the administration forced them to take a shot of the Covishield vaccine or else they will not be given any leave if they contract Covid-19.
The controversial matter erupted after the vaccination program that started in JIPMER as a part of the nationwide ongoing inoculation drive launched on January 16 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The medicos claimed that the MBBS students of 3rd and 4th year were asked to voluntarily come forward to take the vaccine shot. However, the medical students who were not sure about the safety of the vaccine did not turn up for taking the shot voluntarily.
Following this, the Dean and the Director of the institution controlled by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, allegedly made arrangements for the students to being called by their roll numbers to take the vaccine.
As per the latest media report by Outlook India, the medicos claimed that they have become discouraged from taking the shot after getting to know about severe side effects such as fever, pain, etc. suffered by the faculty members who were vaccinated.
Fearing adverse events, when they did not turn up for taking the vaccine voluntarily, the administration of the institution allegedly arranged a zoom meeting and instructed students to turn up by their roll numbers and take the vaccine.
A 4th-year student after on condition of anonymity told Outlook India, "A few days ago, students of 3rd and 4th year were asked to voluntarily come forward to take the vaccine shot but not a single student turned up as they are quite apprehensive about its safety and efficacy."
He further added, "After that our Director Dr. Rakesh Aggarwal and Prof Pankaj Kundra, Dean (Academic) held a Zoom meeting with the students and said that each student will be called by their role numbers and they will have to take the Covisheid vaccine shot."
The MBBS students have further alleged that the administration also gave a warning to the students regarding not getting any leave in case they contract COVID-19 if they do not take the vaccine. Although the warning had been given in a mild tone, the students have reportedly become fearful of the punitive behavior on the part of the administration for students refusing to take the vaccine.
While commenting on the same, a student informed the daily, "We have been told that no student will get any leave even after he or she suffers any severe side effects." He further added, "In the same meeting, all the students were warned that if they don't take the jibe, they will not get any leave in case they contract Covid-19."
Questioning the warning given by the institute authorities another student asked, "If it is voluntary, then why are they scheduling the vaccination drive by our roll number wise?"
Meanwhile, the Director of JIPMER, Dr. Agarwal, did not comment on the matter. However, as per the daily, the dean has denied all such allegations.
Dean Prof. Kundra stated, "I am not the right person you have contacted. I am only dealing with academic matters. Vaccination is being done by the hospital authorities. However, this much I can say that we have very much declared for everyone that it is totally voluntary."
