Chhattisgarh CM writes to Modi to bring uniformity in vaccine prices

In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel urged him to provide details of the next vaccination drive starting May 1. He also urged the Prime Minister to make the vaccine prices uniform.

Raipur:Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel on Thursday wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking information on the availability and cost of coronavirus vaccines which will be provided to the State as part of the third phase of the vaccination drive commencing May 1.

The Chief Minister, in his letter, said that in perspective of the Centre’s decision making everyone above 18 years of age eligible to get vaccinated against Covid-19, the state government has decided to arrange free of cost vaccines for its people in addition to the vaccines made available by the Government of India.

Letter written to Prime Minister by Bhupesh Baghel

Stating that there are only a few days left for the commencement of the third phase of the vaccination drive, Mr Baghel said it is necessary to prepare a detailed action plan before organising the vaccination drive on such a vast scale.

He also sought information regarding the number of vaccines to be provided monthly to the State by the Centre.

The Chief Minister further wrote that it is expected that the cost of vaccines should be uniform for the Centre as well as states. "Since, Bharat Biotech's Covaxin is developed with the assistance of the Government of India and therefore, it should supply its vaccines at lesser rates compared to the one by Serum Institute", read the letter.

He said a uniform rate for vaccines would be justified as both the state and the Centre earns revenue from the taxpayer's money.

Serum Institute of India (SII) on Wednesday fixed the prices of the Covishield vaccine at Rs 400 per dose for state governments and Rs 600 per dose for private hospitals.