Fake entries mar TN vaccination data

Unreasonable targets push health workers to fudge entries

Several fake entries have crept into COVID-19 vaccination data in Tamil Nadu. The reason, according to a number of healthcare professionals and workers, is “unrealistic vaccination targets” that resulted in “undue pressure”, forcing them to make fake entries.

Inquiries with healthcare staff across the State confirmed that many fake entries have cropped up in COVID-19 vaccination data. Reliable sources in the Health Department said in some instances, multiple identity cards of individuals, readily available line-list with mobile numbers that include even deceased individuals, were utilised to make entries on the CoWIN portal. In some cases, database of mobile numbers not in use for a long time were obtained and made use of.

Complaints of wrong entries have been surfacing in many parts of the State of late. In one instance, the mobile number of an unvaccinated senior citizen in Chennai received two text messages in October, months after he had died, stating that two different individuals were vaccinated with the first dose of Covishield.