Prime Minister Narendra Modi had recently announced that the Centre will soon be procuring and distributing coronavirus vaccines to states and Union Territories. Today the Government of India has released revised guidelines for the COVID vaccination program. It will be implemented from June 21st onwards. The guideline says “Vaccine doses will be allocated to States/UTs based on population, disease burden & vaccination’ progress. Wastage will affect allocation negatively.”
Health care and frontline workers, those above 45 years of age, citizens whose second dose has become due, and people of 18 years and above, will be given priority. This is in respect of the free vaccine doses to be provided by the Centre to the states.
The guidelines further state that Vaccine manufacturers will determine the prices of vaccines for private hospitals. Private hospitals can charge a maximum of Rs. 150 per dose as service charges. State Governments may monitor the price being charged. The Centre also states that those who have the ability to pay are encouraged to use private hospital vaccination centers.
To promote the spirit of ‘Lok Kalyan, the use of non-transferable Electronic Vouchers will be encouraged. They can be redeemed at private vaccination centers. All government and private vaccination centers would also provide onsite registration facilities, available both for individuals as well as groups of individuals.
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