As many states came forward with a demand for reconsideration of the vaccination strategy and for bringing back the system that was in place before 1 May 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the Centre will provide free COVID vaccines to states for inoculation of all above age 18 from 21 June 2021. In an address to the nation, the Prime Minister said that the Centre will buy 75 per cent of all vaccines produced by the Indian companies and distribute them to the states/UTs free of cost.
PM Modi said that the state government will have to pay nothing for vaccines, the Centre will provide free vaccines to all the citizens. He added that the system of 25 per cent vaccines being procured directly by the private hospitals will continue. State governments will monitor that only 150 rupees service charge is levied by the private hospitals over the decided price of the vaccines.
PM Modi warns against vaccine rumour-mongers
The Prime Minister warned against those who are spreading rumours about vaccination. He said there is a need to stay vigilant and these rumour-mongers are playing with the lives of people.
Prime Minister Modi said that global demand for vaccines is much higher than what vaccine-making companies and countries can produce, in such a scenario, made-in-India vaccines are critical for the country. So far, more than 23 crore vaccine doses have been administered in India.
Vaccines for children and Nasal Vaccine under trial: PM
The Prime Minister informed that the supply of vaccines is set to increase in the coming days. He said as of now seven companies are producing various vaccines in India. Trials for three more vaccines are in the advanced stage. Two vaccines for children and a ‘nasal vaccine’ are also under trial.
In another major announcement, PM Modi informed that the Centre has decided to extend Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojna till Diwali. This means that 80 crore people will continue to get the amount of free food grain till November.
The Prime Minister expressed condolences for the people who lost their lives in the COVID pandemic.
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