<span style="color: #222222;">Maharashtra has emerged as the leader in the COVID-19 vaccination drive as it crossed the 1.67 crore inoculation mark today in comparison to other states. It also became the first among the states to give both doses to the highest number of citizens. So far, the state has administered 1,67,81,719 doses. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">A total of 2,59,685 citizens were vaccinated yesterday through 1586 vaccination centres across the state. This includes 1,53,967 citizens in the age group of 18 to 44 years.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">AIR Correspondent reports, according to data released by the state government, so far 1,39,15,088 citizens have been given the first dose of vaccine in the state while 28,66,631 citizens have been given both doses. Dr Pradeep Vyas, Principal Secretary of Public Health Department said Maharashtra has taken the lead in vaccination drive from the very beginning. At the same time, he noted that the rate of vaccine wastage in the state is only 1 per cent. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Chief Minister and the Health Minister have also congratulated the health workers for using the vaccine efficiently. Meanwhile, as the second wave of coronavirus has put a strain on the state's health system, Health Minister Rajesh Tope today informed that 16,000 posts will be filled in the health department on an immediate basis so that there is no shortage of manpower during the third wave. </span><br />''  <br />