The Indian Medical Association on Tuesday addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding ramping up the vaccination drive. At a time when the caseload is going through the rough in the second wave of the pandemic, the IMA's request is timely.

The letter requests the PM to ramp up the COVID19 vaccination drive with immediate effect, besides permitting those above the age of 18 years to receive vaccine.

The letter says that walk-in vaccination should be free of cost for all. Private sector family clinics should also be included in the drive.

Importantly, IMA also suggests that vaccination certificate should be made a mandatory certificate for entering a public place and receive benefits under the PDS scheme.

The letter says that zero-tolerance against Covid-inappropriate behaviour, among others, is the need of the hour. Augmentation of infrastructure, beds and oxygen availability are also very much needed in the wake of the second wave, the letter adds.

So far, about 7.91 crore Indians have received the vaccination, of which 1.05 crore people have received both doses.