Shillong, Jan 28: Bethany Hospital, Shillong on Wednesday started the COVID-19 vaccination programme and the wife of late Dr John Sailo, Achula Sailo was the first beneficiary from the Hospital to receive the jab.

In a statement issued here, nodal officer and spokesperson of the hospital, Kyntiewlang Sanmiet said that the programme was inaugurated by the late doctor’s wife who is currently the director of the hospital.

“It was a historic moment for us as we were the first to be hit by the coronavirus in the state. We lost our dearest founder and director. We were shut down for 40 days. We were stigmatised and it was one of the most difficult times we had experienced. How we wished this vaccine was an option a year ago and how different everything would have been. We feel proud and humbled to be a part of this watershed moment as first phase of COVID vaccination continues”, he said.

Sanmiet said that it is the start of the next phase of battling the pandemic even as other preventive measures such as wearing of masks and social distancing and handwashing still continues.

“We are deeply grateful for the scientists who have worked so diligently to develop these vaccines, the state government and public health professionals working to get the vaccines distributed and our fellow health-care workers who’ve fought so hard to protect our community”, he said.

With Bethany hospital being the first to be affected with the COVID-19 case, he expressed pride that the hospital has risen to the challenges- with flexibility, resilience, courage and a caring heart, amidst all the pain and loss.

It may be recalled that John Sailo was the first victim of Coronavirus in the state when he contracted the virus in April. He was 69 years old.