Male, Maldives – Dr. Shiraany Abdul Rahman, the first in Maldives to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, has said she feels very safe after her jab and the only discomfort she felt was during initial injection, adding that she’s already back at work.
With the Indian gifted Covishield vaccine, Maldives kicked of their vaccination drive yesterday prioritizing healthcare workers, with some high profile politicians also receiving the jab.
“I wanted to lead by example. It is better to show the public instead of repeatedly saying go get vaccinated.”
Dr. Shiraany
Speaking to news outlet “Mihaaru”, Dr Shiraany said that she is very lucky to get the jab, adding that she did not want to miss the opportunity to set an example due to the struggles she and many others are facing during the pandemic.
Dr. Shirany, who works at a Hulhumale Medical Facility established to treat Covid-19 patients said that everyday during the pandemic has been a challenge seeing firsthand the suffering of Covid-19 patients in serious or critical condition. and also has been a witness to the tireless efforts by medical workers, a group which she is a part of.
In an interview to Mihaaru, she said that she was not able to meet her family from April 2020 to December 2020, which was extremely difficult, adding that this was the same for many others medical professionals and other professionals working during the pandemic.
Dr Shiraany was set to go abroad for studies but her flight to Malaysia was cancelled just 3 days before the departure date, as Malaysia went into lockdown following Covid-19 case discoveries.
She also revealed that she is concerned that Covid-19 cases have surged yet again in the Maldives, stating that many medical workers are near exhaustion.
Stopping deaths from this disease, and returning to normal life can only be achieved through vaccination.
Dr. Shiraany
Dr. Shiraany explained that the vaccine has gone through various clinical trials, and is not something to be afraid of.
She added that she was ready for the second dose of Covishield, saying that she wishes that the Maldives is free of Covid-19 as soon as possible, and that she is hopeful that she can pursue higher education abroad soon.
