With its launch on January 16, 2021, India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive is the largest of its kind in the world. The District of Ernakulam, Kerala, and Amrita Hospital have formed a unique Public-Private Partnership (PPP) to vaccinate health care workers there.

The Kadavanthara Urban Public Health Center will be managed by Amrita Hospital and set up in a way that other health centers can easily emulate. It is equipped with medical teams, an ambulance, necessary physical facilities, and awareness posters.

Medical Director of Amrita Hospital Kochi, Dr. Prem Nair, said that Amrita Hospital will provide all the means for the vaccination of health workers as per the instructions of the government. Dr. M. G. Sivadasan, who is leading the vaccination drive for the Ernakulam administration, said that this PPP initiative is a model that other districts can replicate.

Expressing their gratitude, hospital officials said that the collaboration was part of a community commitment and that they were proud to be able to participate in the government’s vaccination drive. In addition, Amrita Hospital is operating as a separate vaccination center.

Dr. Vivek Kumar R. (District Medical Chief) and Matthew Numpelil (District Program Manager), appreciated Amrita Hospital for their commitment. The district chiefs thanked the hospital authorities for their immense support and involvement with the government to control the pandemic in the country since its inception.

Amrita Hospital has also been one of the hospitals conducting the trial run of the COVID-19 vaccination. The Ernakulam district administration said in the context of both initiatives, Amrita has embarked on a venture which brings the enhanced efficiency of the private sector together with the service capabilities of the government.