New Delhi: More than 1.24 crore balance and unutilised COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs and over 94,66,420 doses are in the pipeline and will be received by them within the next three days, the Union Health Ministry said on Thursday. Over 32.92 crore vaccine doses have been provided to states and UTs so far through Government of India (free of cost channel) and direct state procurement category.
Of this, the total consumption, including wastage is 31,67,50,891 doses, the ministry said. "More than 1.24 crore (1,24,50,909) balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered. "Furthermore, more than 94,66,420 vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by the states and UTs within the next 3 days," the ministry said.
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The Centre is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from 21st June 2021.
Earlier today, hitting out at opposition leaders for making comments on the ongoing Covid vaccination drive, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that states need to better plan their vaccination drives. In a series of tweets, Vardhan said, "I'm seeing irresponsible statements from various leaders regarding the largest vaccination drive. Stating facts so people can judge intentions of these leaders. After GoI (Government of India) provided 75 per cent of vaccines available for free, vaccination speed picked up and 11.50 crore doses were given in June."
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Vardhan stated that states have already been informed in advance about vaccine supplies in July. In another tweet, the Union Health Minister said, "States have already been informed in advance about Covid-19 vaccine supplies for July. This info was shared with States 15 days prior, along with details about day wise supply of a total of 12 crore doses, which will be made available in July. Private hospital supply will be over and above this." He advised states to better plan their vaccination drive. "If there are issues in states, it shows that they need to better plan their vaccination drives. Intra-state planning and logistics are the responsibility of the states. I request these leaders to desist from their shameless urge to play politics even in the midst of a pandemic," he said.
PTI
