Liberalised vaccine policy reduces operational stress on states-Govt

The centre on Saturday defended its liberalised vaccine policy and said the media reports suggesting inequities in distribution of doses were "inaccurate and speculative in nature". It said the vaccine policy that came into effect from May 1 reduces the "operational stress" on state-run vaccination facilities. "It is reiterated that the Liberalised Vaccine policy, which envisages a larger role for the private sector and the centre, is setting aside 25% of vaccines for the private sector. This mechanism facilitates better access and reduces the operational stress on Government Vaccination facilities in terms of those who could afford to pay and would prefer to go to a private hospital," it said in a statement. Under the liberalised policy, the centre is getting 50 per cent of the vaccines supplied, while the private sector and states are buying the remaining jabs directly from the two manufacturers - Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute.

Reports of inequities in distribution of #COVID19vaccines are completely baseless.

Pvt hospitals across the country received 1.2 cr doses in May ‘21 procured in a transparent manner & helping drive efficiencies in world’s #LargestVaccineDrive.https://t.co/WcShuZQZ4A@PMOIndia

— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) June 5, 2021

Responding to criticism that some big players are cornering the bulk of the supply meant for the private sector, the government said hospitals in smaller cities are also getting the two vaccines."As on 1st June 2021, private hospitals have received over 1.20 crore doses of COVID vaccines in the month of May 2021. As on 4th May, 2021, a large number of private hospitals that have contracted with M/S Serum Institute of India and M/S Bharat Biotech have been supplied with Covishield and Covaxin doses. These private hospitals are not limited to the bigger metros but also from Tier II & III cities across States," it said.