NEW DELHI, Nov. 3 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday exhorted officials to ensure that the country widens its COVID-19 vaccination coverage by the end of the year and enters the new year with renewed self-belief and confidence.
Modi said COVID-19 vaccines should now be taken door-to-door and there should be equal focus on the second dose.
The prime minister suggested for the campaign religious leaders and youth organizations like National Cadet Corps and National Service Scheme also be roped in.
"Now we are preparing to take the vaccination campaign to each household. With the mantra (formula) of 'Har Ghar Dastak', knock on every door, every household lacking the security net of a double dose of vaccine will be approached," Modi said while interacting virtually with the officials of districts having low vaccination coverage.
"You can take more help from local religious leaders. Have always found leaders of all religion great advocates of vaccination," he added.
Modi was holding a review meeting of districts having low COVID-19 vaccination coverage.
Several states, including Maharashtra, have been asking the federal government to allow door-to-door vaccination, especially for people who are ailing or otherwise unable to visit vaccination centers.
The Indian government aims to fully vaccinate the country's adult population by the year-end.
