A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address on national covid-19 vaccination management, the Centre has released revised guidelines that are to be implemented from June 21.
As per the revised guidelines shared by the Centre, Covid-19 vaccine doses will now be distributed to states and Union territories based on criteria like their population, disease burden and the progress of vaccination drive.
The notification issued by the Centre further urged states to cut down on vaccine wastage.
“Vaccine doses to be allocated to states/UTs based on population, disease burden & vaccination’ progress. Wastage will affect allocation negatively,” the notification said.
“The government of India will procure 75 per cent of the vaccines being produces by the manufacturers in the country. The vaccines procured will continue to be provided free of cost to States/UTs as has been the case from the commencement of the National Vaccination Programme. These doses will be administered by the States/UTs free of cost to all citizens as per priority through Government Vaccination Centres,” it added.
The Centre has also allowed all the private hospitals to directly procure vaccines from manufacturers and directed them to charge Rs 150 per dose as service charge. Requesting citizens, those who can afford, to get jabbed at private centres, the government said everyone, irrespective of economical background, are eligible to take vaccine free of cost.
“The private hospitals may charge up to a maximum of Rupees 150 per dose as service charge. State government many monitor the price being so charged,” it stated.
“To promote the spirit of “Lok Kalyan”, use of non-transferable Electronic Vouchers which can be redeemed at private vaccination centers, will be encouraged. This would enable people to financially support vaccination of Economically Weaker Sections at private vaccination centres,” it added.
India started world’s largest vaccination drive against coronavirus on January 16 with two vaccines. While Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin and Serum Institute’s Covishield received Drug Controller General of India’s permission in December last year, Sputnik V, developed by Russia’s Gamaleya Institute, was granted regulatory approval in April this year.
