Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made a key statement on the vaccination drive in India. The PM addressing the nation today has announced that the government has made new changes to the vaccination policy.
Narendra Modi announced that the Center would distribute free vaccines to all those above 18 years of age from the 21st of this month. The Center will buy the vaccines and give them to the states. He clarified that the states do not have to spend even a rupee.
The Prime Minister, who has spoken to the CMs several times on vaccination, said that many states were questioning the Center over the shortage of vaccine. He said the opinion of the states on the shortage of vaccines would be taken into consideration. Modi said in his speech that the vaccination of frontline fighters was completed before the second wave.
The PM also said the government will start the free vaccination process from the 21st of this month and complete 80 percent of the vaccinations by November. Those who want to vaccinate at their own expense will have access to the private sector. 25 percent of the vaccines will be available to the private sector. They can be vaccinated privately with a maximum service charge of Rs 150.