Sukhbir presses for HC-monitored probe into matter
CHANDIGARH: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday demanded a high-court monitored probe into the manner in which the Congress government “is creating an artificial shortage of vaccines for the common man by selling doses at a hefty profit to private hospitals.”
Sukhbir’s demand came a day after HT highlighted in its report that how the state government’s move to sell vaccine to private facilities has raised eyebrows.
“A case should be registered against state health minister Balbir Singh Sidhu for diverting vaccines meant for the common man to private institutions,” Sukhbir told reporters here.
“It’s a scam. Vaccine doses are being sold to private institutions instead of being given free of cost to the common man. A Covaxin dose costing the state Rs 400 was being sold to private institutions at Rs 1,060. The private hospitals were further selling the dose at Rs 1,560,” alleged Sukhbir. “Rahul Gandhi had recently demanded free vaccines for all. He should now tell if he supports the Punjab government’s move to force the common man to pay Rs 1,560 per dose,” said the Akali Dal chief.
Flaying chief secretary Vinni Mahajan, Sukhbir alleged that she had “assumed the role of a marketing director of private institutions by tweeting that people should get themselves vaccinated at two private institutions.” Mahajan could not be contacted for her comments.
AAP, Cong hand in glove
On rebel AAP MLAs Sukhpal Khaira, Jagdev Singh Kamalu and Pirmal Singh Khalsa joining the Congress, Sukhbir said: “This clearly shows that the Congress and the AAP are working hand in glove with each other.”