Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the Central government will provide free vaccines to states for all above 18 years of age starting from 21st of June. Addressing the Nation last evening, Mr Modi said, no state government will have to spend anything on the vaccine and the Centre will provide free vaccine to all the countrymen.
Mr Modi said, though the government will provide free vaccines to all the countrymen, those who want to pay for the same can get vaccinated at private hospitals. He added that private hospitals will be able to charge a maximum service charge of 150 rupees for a single dose after the fixed price of the vaccine. Mr Modi said, the task of monitoring will remain with the state Governments.
Mr Modi said that by working in mission mode, Government raised the vaccination coverage from 60 per cent to 90 per cent in 5 to 6 years. He said, Government not only enhanced the speed but also widened the ambit of vaccination. Mr Modi said, this time, India warded off all the apprehensions and through clean intentions, clear policy and constant hard work, not just one but two made-in-India vaccines for Covid were launched in the country.
Recalling the unprecedented rise in the demand for the medical oxygen during the second wave during the months of April and May, Mr Modi said that the challenge was met at the war footing deploying all the systems of the government. He said, in the history of India, this level of demand for medical oxygen was never experienced.