Amravati (Andhra Pradesh): Andhra Pradesh medical and health principal secretary Anil Kumar Singhal said the state government is ready to purchase corona vaccine directly from foreign countries too, if Central government allows.
"The state government has decided to buy any vaccine available, including Sputnik V, and decided to call for global tenders too. However, central government permission is a must. If it grants permission, the state government is ready to purchase foreign vaccines," Singhal said while addressing a press conference.
He also added that if any company is ready to produce the vaccine in Andhra Pradesh, the state government is ready to give all necessary permissions with immediate effect.
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The health principal secretary further informed that the state government decided to complete vaccination for people above 45 at first, and the central government has accepted the state's appeal.
"State is ready to pay Rs 1,600 crore immediately for purchase of four crore vaccines required for state population. However, the states cannot directly purchase vaccines. Companies at first have to supply half of their production to the centre and states will have to buy the remaining 50 per cent as per the quote suggested by the centre," he mentioned.
"This issue is clarified by the Center in its affidavit in the Supreme Court. The centre has permitted for purchase of 17 lakh vaccines and the state has already made the payments. The state govt is ready to spend for free vaccination of all the people in the state," Singhal added.
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Principal secretary Anil Kumar Singhal also shared various statistical data including -- cashless treatment under the Arogyasri scheme is being provided to corona patients in 648 hospitals in the state.