Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said preparations for inoculating citizens with the Covid-19 vaccine are in their last stages, just a day after the Centre-appointed expert team assessed the emergency applications filed by three vaccine makers.

Laying the foundation stone of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Gujarat’s Rajkot, he said, “Preparations are in the last stages for the vaccination programme against COVID-19. People will get vaccines manufactured in India.”

Modi said the number of new coronavirus cases are decreasing in the country, while warning that people should not let their guard down and strictly abide by coronavirus preventive norms even after vaccination.

“I used to say 'jab tak davai nahi dhilai nahi' but now our mantra for 2021 should be: Davai bhi, kadaai bhi (yes to medicine and yes to caution),” the prime minister said.

The PM also warned the general public about against believing in rumours and unfounded claims regarding the vaccine, claiming some have already started spreading such lies.

"In 2020, there was an atmosphere of disappointment and dismay due to the infection. There were doubts everywhere. But 2021 brings a ray of hope in terms of its treatment.

"Preparations are in full swing for the vaccination drive in India. Efforts to make a 'Made in India' vaccine available to every eligible beneficiary are in its last stage. We are fully prepared to launch the world's biggest vaccination drive," Modi said.

Modi also paid tributes to healthcare and frontline workers, scientists and good samaritans for their sacrifices and services to the society during the pandemic.

India has turned into the nerve-centre of global health, Modi said. "We are working on mission mode to improve medical education in India. After the formation of the National Medical Commission, the quality and quantity of health education will improve," he added.

Over Rs 30,000 crore of poor people's money has been saved due to the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Modi said.

“Jan Ausadhi Kendras are also a friend of poor people during illness. Over 7,000 such kendras all over the country provide 90 per cent cheaper medicines to people. Over 3.5 lakh poor patients use these kendras on a daily basis,” he said.

“In the last six years we began work on 10 new AIIMS and some of them are operational. Twenty super speciality hospitals are also being built in the country,” Modi said.