Coronavirus / Health minister angry over states allegation on vaccine demand called it narrow politics

Coronavirus: The central and state governments are face-to-face with the vaccine shortage amid the ongoing Corona crisis in the country. They say that they are not getting enough number of vaccines. Meanwhile, the Union Health Minister, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that these allegations of the states harm the overall attitude of the government and create narrow political passions in the public. The health minister's remarks came after he reviewed the Kovid-19 position with six states, including Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Delhi. All these states have been badly affected by the second wave of epidemic.

The general demand of all states during the meeting was to increase the quota of vaccines for the states. Since May 1, when vaccination began for people in the age group of 18 to 44, states are reporting vaccine shortages as current supply is not sufficient for those over the age of 45 and under the age of 45. Since the Center has asked states and UTs to focus on a population of 45+ as they are more vulnerable and many of them have already received a single dose. At present, many states including Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Rajasthan have stopped vaccinating people below 45 years.

The minister said that the production capacity of vaccines is being enhanced and states also have non-governmental channels to procure vaccines for their population. By a non-governmental channel, he referred to the Centre's new strategy of allowing states to apply vaccines directly to vaccine manufacturers. The health ministers present in the meeting requested the minister to formulate a common policy for the purchase of vaccines from foreign manufacturers.

Contrary to the health minister's statement, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday said that every state that contacts foreign vaccine manufacturers tarnishes the image of India in the world. He said that states have been pitted against each other in this race to buy vaccines. Wealthy states and civic bodies will be ahead of others in obtaining foreign vaccines.