The vaccine distribution will be based on population of state
Finally after a lot of speculation Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the Central Government will provide free vaccine to all between the age group of 18-44. It has been reported that the centre will procure the vaccines for the states and distribute the same for free according to state population. “Vaccine doses provided free of cost by the Government of India will be allocated to States/UTs based on criteria such as population, disease burden and the progress of vaccination. Wastage of vaccine will affect the allocation negatively,” said a statement.
Private hospitals are allowed to purchase vaccines from manufactures but they are to levy a maximum of only Rs.150 as service charge. So far it has been reported that almost 23 crores doses of vaccine have been administered in India. The state governments have been pressurising the Center to provide free vaccines which was also supported by the Supreme Court recently. Hence free vaccine for all citizens between the age group of 18-44 comes as a welcome step. States are trying to ease lockdown restrictions as cases are slowly dipping across the country but speculations are rife about an impending third wave and hence, there is no room for any chances.
