New Delhi: From June 21, the Government of India will provide free Covid vaccines to States for the age group of 18 years and above, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced today amidst raging tussle between various states and the Centre over the issue of vaccine availability.
In a televised address, Modi said his government decided today that the Centre will take responsibility for the 25 percent work of Covid vaccination being carried out by the states.
“This arrangement will be implemented in the coming two weeks. In these two weeks, the Centre and states together will make preparations as per new guidelines,” the Prime Minister said.
“From June 21, the Centre will provide free vaccines to all states for the people aged above 18 years. The central government will purchase 75 percent of manufactured vaccines from the vaccine manufacturers and give those to the states free,” he said.
He said the prevailing arrangement of private sector hospitals buying 25 percent of vaccines directly from the vaccine manufacturers will continue.
Private hospitals can charge Rs 150 as Service Charge above the cost for which they purchase each dose of vaccines, the Prime Minister said, adding this will be monitored by the states.
Modi said the decision has been taken in view of various suggestions and demands. “It was asked why the central government decides everything, why the state governments are not given liberty.
