India / From June 21 people above 18 years of age will get free corona vaccine across country

New Delhi: From June 21 across the country, the central government will provide free corona vaccine to all citizens above the age of 18 years in every state. The Government of India itself will buy 75 percent of the total vaccine production from the Corona vaccine manufacturers and give it to the state governments free of cost. At the same time, 25 percent of the vaccine being made in India can be taken directly by private sector hospitals, this system will continue.

Private hospitals will be able to charge a maximum service charge of Rs 150 for a single dose after the fixed price of the corona vaccine. The work of monitoring it will be with the state governments only. The central government will give the vaccine according to the population of the states, the number of infected and the speed of vaccination.

Significantly, several state governments had suggested that they be allowed flexibility to directly procure vaccines based on local requirements and give them according to their priority. After this the Government of India revised the guidelines.

Many states said that they are facing difficulties regarding the vaccine. The funding, procurement and logistics of the vaccine impacted the pace of the national COVID-19 vaccination programme. At the same time, it was also seen that even small and remote private hospitals were facing many problems. Keeping all these aspects in mind, the National COVID Immunization Guidelines have been reviewed and revised since May 1 till date and after repeated requests from the states.

Meanwhile, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday that more than 3.06 crore anti-Covid-19 vaccines are available with the states and union territories and they will get more than 24.53 lakh vaccines in the next three days. According to the data available from Sunday till 8 am, the Government of India has so far provided more than 29,10,54,050 vaccines to the states and union territories, the ministry said. Out of this, a total of 26,04,19,412 vaccines have been consumed including the wasted vaccines.

He said that 3,06,34,638 anti-Covid-19 vaccines are currently available with the states and union territories. "There are preparations to send 24,53,080 more vaccines and they will get them in the next three days," the ministry said.

Also told that as a nationwide vaccination campaign, the Government of India is supporting the states and union territories by providing them free of cost Kovid vaccines. Along with this, the Center is also providing the facility to the states and union territories to buy vaccines directly. The ministry said, "Testing, surveillance and covid-friendly behavior as well as vaccination is an important pillar of the government's comprehensive strategy to manage and prevent this epidemic."