Centre to provide free Covid shots to states: PM

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced that the Central government will provide free Coronavirus vaccine to states for inoculation of all above the age of 18 from June 21, and asserted that vaccine supply would be increased significantly in the country in the coming days.

The Centre has decided to buy 75 per cent of jabs from vaccine makers, including 25 per cent of the state quota, and give it for free to state governments, the prime minister said in an address to the nation.

Modi said private sector hospitals can continue to procure 25 per cent of vaccines, but their service charge would be capped at Rs 150 per dose over the fixed price of the vaccine.

As several states take cautious steps towards unlocking and easing restrictions with a decline in COVID-19 cases, the Prime Minister said vaccination is like a protection shield against the virus and asserted that vaccine supply would be increased significantly in India in the coming days.

Modi said seven companies are producing various vaccines against the Coronavirus in the country and the trial of three more vaccines is at an advanced stage.

The process of procuring vaccines from companies of other countries has also been expedited, he said.

Amid concerns expressed by experts recently over children being affected by the virus, Modi said in this direction trials of two vaccines are being carried out.

Modi said research is continuing on a nasal spray vaccine which, if successful, can significantly boost India's vaccination drive, he said.

Asserting that vaccines are like a protection shield against the virus, he also asserted that with the efforts made in the country recently, vaccine supply would be increased significantly in India in the coming days.

India proved its mettle by making two made-in-India COVID-19 vaccines in a short time and over 23 crore doses have already been administered, the Prime Minister said.

Modi asserted that efforts are being made on a war-footing to fight the COVID-19 pandemic at various levels and production of essential medicines was ramped up.

India is fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic on multiple fronts and new health infrastructure has been created across the country, he asserted.

India has gone through a lot of pain during this battle and many lost their loved ones, he noted and extended his condolences to the bereaved families.

"In many places, relaxations are being given in Corona curfew but it does not mean that Coronavirus has gone away.

We have to remain cautious and also have to follow Covid protocols strictly. I am confident that we will win this battle and that India will win against Coronavirus," he added.

Modi also announced that the government will distribute free foodgrains to around 80 crore people till Diwali for providing relief to the poor amid the second wave of COVID-19.

Last year when the lockdown was imposed due to Coronavirus, free ration was provided to more than 80 crore people for eight months under the PMGKAY, Modi said.

"This year too due to the second wave (of the pandemic), the scheme

was implemented for May and June. Today, the government has decided to extend PMGKAY till Deepawali," he added.