New Delhi: The centralised free vaccination policy began on today under which the government will provide free Covid-19 vaccine to all Indian citizens above 18 years of age.
As per announcements made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 8 June, the Centre will now buy 75 per cent of vaccines and give them free of cost to states.
The Centre’s new policy came days after Supreme Court slammed the ongoing vaccination drive for the 18-44 age group and called it arbitrary and irrational.
As per the new policy, the Central Government will buy 75 percent of the vaccines produced by pharma companies and distribute them among the states and the Union territories free of cost to vaccinate everyone above the age of 18.
States will no longer be involved in vaccine procurement from open market.
Private sector hospitals can continue to procure the remaining 25 percent and inoculate those willing to pay for their jabs, but will be allowed to charge Rs 150 per dose as service charge over fixed rates. There have been reports that several private hospitals were charging high prices in the absence of a benchmark.
