<span style="color: #222222;">Sikkim joined the rest of the nation in launching the COVID19 vaccination programme today. Chief Minister PS Tamang and Health Minister Dr MK Sharma were present at STNM hospital near Gangtok during the launch. The vaccination drive simultaneously also began at District hospital, Gyalsingh, West Sikkim.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">AIR correspondent reports, on the first day, 140 health care workers have been registered for inoculation at the two COVID19 vaccination centres in Sikkim.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Speaking after the launch, chief minister PS Tamang said that the vaccination programme is a great example of Aatmanirbhar Bharat envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as both the vaccines are manufactured in India.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He highlighted that the cost of Indian vaccines is significantly lower than those manufactured outside. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Speaking to AIR News, Sikkim health minister Dr MK Sharma hoped that the vaccines bring an end to the hardships faced by all due to the pandemic.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Sikkim has received 12,500 doses of Covishield vaccine in the first consignment for Phase I. The vaccination drive will subsequently cover primary health centres.</span><br />''  <br />