Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing the nation on Monday, 7 June, announced the new vaccine policy and free ration to 80 crore people till Diwali.
PM Modi said that the Centre will provide Covid-19 vaccine free for all adults from June 21 onwards. He also said that the Centre has decided to buy 75 percent of jabs from vaccine makers, including 25 percent of the state quota, and give it for free to state governments.
Key Highlights
- Free vaccine for people above 18 years of age from June 21 onwards.
- The state government will have to spend nothing on vaccines.
- Out of the total vaccines, the centre will buy 75 percent and distribute it to the state governments.
- Private hospitals will continue to have access to 25 percent of all vaccines.
- Private hospitals will be able to charge only Rs 150 for a single dose of vaccine after the fixed price.
- The government has decided that the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana will now be extended till Diwali.
- By November, free food grains will be available in fixed quantity every month to more than 80 crore countrymen.
- Seven companies in the country are producing vaccines.
- The trial of three more vaccines is in an advanced stage.
- Research continuing on a nasal spray vaccine, which if successful can significantly boost India’s vaccination drive.
- Our scientists have shown that India is not lagging behind big countries. More than 23 crore vaccine doses have been administered in India.
- The supply of vaccines will be increased in the coming days.
- PM Mod said “Be aware of rumours about vaccines. I urge youngsters to raise awareness about the benefits of vaccination.”
- During the second wave, the demand for medical oxygen in India increased unimaginably in April and May. Never in India’s history the need for medical oxygen been felt in such quantity.
- To meet this need, work was done on a war footing. All government machinery was engaged.
