New Delhi: The centre reported of having supplied more than 24 crore COVID-19 vaccines doses to States and Union Territories to date.
In an official statement, the Union Health Ministry said, “More than 24 crores (24,65,44,060) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far, through Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category and of this, the total consumption, including wastages, is 23,47,43,489 doses (as per data available at 8 am today).”
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As per the ministry records, the states and UTs have 1,19,46,925 doses of COVID-19 stocked that are yet to be administered.
Speaking on the decentralization strategy of vaccines, PM Modi in his national address stated that the states were authorized to procure vaccines under the Liberalized and Accelerated Phase 3 Strategy of COVID-19 that began on May 1, 2021. Under this strategy the Centre procured 50% of the total Central Drugs Laboratory cleared vaccine doses of any manufacturer and provide them to the States and UTs free of cost.
However, yesterday PM Modi announced a centralized procurement system for COVID-19 vaccines to commence from June 21. Under this strategy, private sectors could procure 25% of the vaccine from the manufacturers. He also announced the free vaccination policy for everyone above 18years of age.
Additionally, all private hospitals are instructed to charge only Rs 150, over the cost of the purchase of the vaccine from the manufacturer.