Madhya Pradesh: Chaos, Stampede-Like Situation At Vaccination Centre In Lodhikheda Village

Turnout of people for vaccination at a centre in Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district on July 1, led to a stampede-like situation. As soon as the centre opened for the day at Sausar, scores of people from various age groups were seen rushing in, apparently to reserve a slot. People were seen skidding and falling on top of each other. Several elderly women were among those who could be seen falling to the ground. Later, the police had to be called in to bring the situation under control. Madhya Pradesh has been in the news for its slow vaccination pace that picked up briefly after the central government rolled out its new vaccination policy last week. However, after reporting a national record with over 17 lakh vaccinations on June 21, the numbers have flagged and there have been several complaints of people getting vaccination certificates despite not getting a jab. The government has denied any irregularity but has faced opposition criticism of fudging the numbers to cover up a shortage. On July 1, Madhya Pradesh said it had administered 9.5 lakh doses, reported NDTV. The state now has 3 per cent of its population covered by both doses.