More vaccines needed for SMEs to safeguard industrial sector

Aurangabad, July 22:

Several workers in the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have been deprived of vaccination. Most of the large companies have completed 100 per cent vaccination of their employees, however the small industrialists are unable to afford vaccination in private centres.

There are around 3,000 SMEs in Waluj, Railway station and Chikalthana area. Nearly 1.5 to 2 lakh workers work in these companies. Most large companies have already taken the initiative to vaccinate their workers. At present, nearly 70 per cent of large companies have completed the vaccination of their employees through private hospitals. Nearly 30,000 workers have received the first dose and 20,000 have received both the doses. However, SMEs are struggling to get their workers vaccinated. As vaccination is costly in private hospitals, the industrialists have to rely on government vaccination centres. But the shortage of vaccines has already affected the vaccination drive in the district. Doses get over within a few hours. The situation is severe in the rural area where the doses are supplied in limited numbers. Workers and their family members have to queue up before the vaccination centre since morning. Many workers have to take a day off just to stand in line at the centre. The workers unions have urged the entrepreneurs to vaccinate the workers. But the cost of vaccination is unbearable for many SME owners who are facing financial crisis due to covid. There is also dissatisfaction in the industry due to non-availability of vaccines for the companies.

Must provide vaccines to companies

The number of workers in the industrial sector is around two lakh. About 60 per cent of the workers are in the age group of 18 to 45 years. Vaccination of this age group was started by the municipal corporation in the month of May. However, due to non-supply as per the demand, it has affected the vaccination of industrial workers. The corona crisis is already causing financial hardship to SMEs. However, for the safety of the workers, many industrialists bought the vaccine. But, given the number of workers it will be difficult to buy such a large number of doses. The state government and district administration must provide vaccines to companies at discounted rates, said Massia vice president Kiran Jagtap.