Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the 7th of June, at 5:00 P.M., addressed the Nation. During the 30 minutes speech Mr. Modi highlighted the ongoing vaccination process and major issued faced by the Wuhan virus, also known as the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
During his address to the Indians, PM Modi marked the achievement of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government in order to vaccinate people and made some major announcement. The Central Government in today’s address, announced free vaccine for people between 18 to 44 years old, besides people above 45 years.
PM Modi said, the Central Government launched vaccination drive has administered 23 crore vaccine doses to people across the India. The drive which started on the 16th of January, with two India made vaccines, gave both the doses to 4.4 crore people and 15 crore single doses to the Indians.
Speaking about the ongoing vaccination drive for people between 18 to 44, the Central Government said, Centre to provide free vaccines to states for all above 18 years starting from the 21st of June. From now on, the 25% work that was being done by states, will be shouldered by Centre, making it 75 % distribution by the Central Government. The remaining 25 % of vaccine distribution/administering would be by private hospitals across the India. Mr. Modi said, “25% of all vaccines will continued to be administered through private hospitals.” He further said, “Private hospitals can charge a maximum of Rs 150 for vaccination above the price.”
The decision to do the same was taken, after many states and people of Indian states complained of shortage of vaccines. The PM clarified, the previous decision to give power of 25 % of vaccine distribution was given to the state governments, after they requested for the same. However, after handling the situation, many state governments considered the old system to be better, hence asked the Central Government to rethink.
After several discussions and rounds of meeting with the concerned officials, the Government of India decided to switch to the old systems.
Later, while concluding the address, PM Modi appeals to all to enhance vaccine awareness. He also said, Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Anna Yojana to be continued till Diwali 2021.
In addition, he also informed about the trials underway for vaccine for children. PM Modi also assured to increase the supply of vaccines including, three new vaccine in pipeline which are soon going to be launched.
Stay tuned for further updates.
