Concerned AIIMS Guwahati has alerted the Union health ministry to the possibility of fraudulent yellow fever vaccination certificates issued by certain northeastern hospitals, which could result in the denial of visas for visitors to specific African and Latin American nations.
According to sources, AIIMS Guwahati, the only unapproved yellow fever vaccination center in the northeast, has seen numerous instances where travelers visa applications were turned down in some circumstances because of faulty certifications from private practitioners and unapproved institutions.
Those traveling to some African and Latin American nations, as well as those entering India from endemic areas, must be vaccinated against yellow fever.
AIIMS Guwahati officials warn that unapproved vaccinations jeopardize public health procedures in addition to posing a risk to overseas travel.
According to sources, private physicians and hospitals were giving unapproved vaccinations, especially in Guwahati and certain areas of upper Assam.
Five to six instances of yellow fever certificates from unapproved sources being denied during the visa application process were reported to AIIMS Guwahati in the last two years, according to sources.
AIIMS Guwahati's Yellow Fever Vaccination Clinic is open every Tuesday and requires an appointment in advance by email, which can be found on the AIIMS Guwahati website. A yellow fever vaccination card that is valid for life is given to recipients upon vaccination.
Some patients paid high prices to private providers for the vaccine, according to the AIIMS Guwahati nodal officer. "These certificates are not accepted by authorities and could cause problems when traveling. Thus, it is recommended that all citizens only get the yellow fever vaccine from approved facilities like AIIMS Guwahati.
Due to false information and the urgency surrounding international travel, even well informed people have encountered problems.
Many chose hasty vaccines from private sources or were duped by travel agents, only to encounter issues while submitting their visa paperwork. Travel to 42 countries, including Kenya, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Nigeria, and Bolivia, requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare granted AIIMS Guwahati permission to open a Yellow Fever Vaccination Center in recognition of the region's need for easily accessible immunisation services.
"The clinic has since administered 1,033 vaccinations, serving travelers from all seven northeastern states who previously had to travel to Kolkata or Delhi to receive the vaccine," said AIIMS Guwahati, which was inaugurated in September 2023 by executive director Dr. Ashok Puranik.
