WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE COVID-19 VACCINES FREE TO STATES: CENTRE

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Saturday directed states to coordinate with local law-and-order authorities for effective crowd management at Covid-19 vaccination centres (CVCs) as there is a strong likelihood of people turning up in large numbers to get the coronavirus vaccines, with the immunisation drive widening to all adults from May 1.

The health ministry also said the government’s procurement price of both the coronavirus vaccines remains ₹150 per dose and the Centre will continue to provide them free to states.

“There is a possibility of overcrowding that would need to be managed effectively. The states have been asked to keep this in mind as we start vaccinating all above 18 years of age,” a senior central government official said on condition of anonymity.

The Centre has also asked states to encourage online-only registrations among the eligible beneficiaries.

In a tweet, the health ministry said: “It is clarified that Govt of India’s procurement price for both #COVID19 vaccines remains Rs 150 per dose. GOI procured doses will continue to be provided TOTALLY FREE to States.”

On April 19, the Centre announced that it will open up Covid-19 vaccination for everyone 18 years and above from May 1 as part of a liberalised and accelerated phase 3 strategy of Covid-19 vaccination in the country.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

THE CENTRE HAS ALSO ASKED STATES TO ENCOURAGE ONLINE-ONLY REGISTRATIONS AMONG THE ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES