Patna, Jan 16 (IANS): As the much awaited vaccination drive against the novel coronavirus started across India on Saturday, Bihar's inoculation campaign began from the Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences (IGIMS) in Patna.

The first shot was administered to IGIMS sweeper Ram Babu, while the second was given to ambulance driver Amit Kumar of the same institute.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was present at the IGIMS as the vaccinations began, said: "Just as there are complete preparations to carry out the vaccination work in the country, similarly there are preparations made in the state."

Also in attendance, state Health Minister Mangal Pandey said that "our scientists and doctors worked day and night to defeat the pandemic and won the battle against it".

Pandey said the vaccination drive is being carried out at 300 centres across the state's 38 districts.

A target has been set to vaccinate 30,000 health workers on Saturday, he added.

A total of 4,62,275 persons including corona worriers like doctors, nursing staffs, ward boys, Anganwadi workers, and police personnel will be given vaccination in the first phase.

The frontline warriors will be vaccinated afterwards.