New Delhi: At a time when India is struggling to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, the only option to beat this virus, is also slipping away from the hands of people as various states are facing a severe vaccine shortage.
The recent refusal of US pharmaceutical giants Moderna and Pfizer to engage with the state governments and instead deal with the Center directly has again put the onus upon the Union Government to make the vaccines available for states in adequate number as per their demand. However, this Center vs States battle is somehow going to further slow down the pace of vaccination drive in the country.
A day after Punjab Government informed about the refusal by Moderna, Delhi Government, on Monday, also said that the vaccine manufacturers have underlined "they will deal with the central government".
Delhi has also written to the Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan demanding to come up with a centralized vaccine procurement and allocation policy.
States are concerning over the prediction of the third wave by various scientists and health experts in the coming months, therefore, demanding the Central Government to ramp up the vaccination drive across the country.
Speaking to ETV Bharat over the matter, President of Delhi Medical Council, Dr. Arun Gupta said, "From last one year, various scientists and experts are asserting that vaccination is the only way to fight this pandemic. Somehow it hasn't been taken seriously due to which we have reached a point where we are witnessing a severe shortage of vaccine supply."
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"Now the situation is that no one wants to take the responsibility. Center had asked States to procure vaccines directly while the vaccine manufacturers have now refused to deal with the state governments. If this shortage would continue then our country will have to face the upcoming covid wave. I believe, Central Government would pace up the vaccination drive at war footing," he further added.
In addition to this, the Congress party also launched a scathing attack on the Central Government saying that the shortage of vaccines in India is basically a "BJP engineered health crisis".
Congress spokesperson Jaiveer Shergill speaking on the issue, said, "Rejection of Vaccine by Pfizer/Moderna to Punjab and Delhi is BJP engineered health crisis for the resident population of both States-Central Govt instead of playing a role of a rescuer has pushed all States into deep waters-One window purchase mechanism must be implemented without delay."
The Congress leader further asserted, "By changing the vaccine procurement policy overnight and asking states to fend for themselves, BJP has played the role of a hit-man. The refusal by Moderna should be a warning for all the states that the Central Government policy is 'crisis is yours, credit is mine'. Instead of playing these games, BJP Government should form a unison vaccine procurement policy."
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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had also tweeted over the matter, saying, "Center should procure all vaccines, and states should distribute. Then only vaccine safety would be able to reach all villages. Why Central Government is not being able to understand this simple thing?"
Amid the shortage of vaccines, various states have to shut down vaccination centers for the age group of 18-44 years. It is a matter of concern for the citizens as well as the young generation is being more exposed to this virus, as suggested by the health experts.
Abhinav, a resident of Delhi NCR, told ETV Bharat, that despite a number of attempts he hasn't got a slot for vaccination and that his mother had got Covaxin a month ago. However, now due to the shortage of vaccines, he is concerned if his mother would be able to get the second dose on time.
While on the other hand, Satyendra Malik, a vaccination in charge of Sarvodaya Vidhyalaya, Vinod Nagar West, explained that the Vaccination Center was given the responsibility for vaccinating those aged between 18-44 years but due to the shortage of vaccine, it had to stop the vaccination process for the younger age group and later started the walk-in facility for 45+ years people. The center had earlier allocated 5 sites for vaccination which had been reduced to 3 now, he added.
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