Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan told the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that vaccines to foreign countries are not being sent at the expense of Indian citizens.
He said on Monday alone, 30 lakh people were vaccinated against COVID-19 and till now up to 3 crore people have been inoculated.
“A healthy balance is being maintained. Yesterday [Monday] over 30 lakh people got the vaccines. The criteria has been fixed according to the World Health Organisation and other international standards. It is a dynamic process. Even today among the priority groups if anyone who wants a vaccine can register on COWIN portal and get vaccinated. Vaccine is free in all government hospitals. Private hospitals can only charge ₹250. ₹100 has been fixed for hospital arrangements,” he said responding to members during the question hour. He said as a strategy the price has been fixed at ₹150.
A moral test: On the vaccine divide
He said 5.94 crore doses of vaccines have been sent to 72 foreign countries till now.
“Science is global. The technology could be local but the benefit should be shared with all.”
As per the Health Ministry data till 7 a.m. on Tuesday (59th day of the drive), 3.29 crore people received the vaccine but only 45,99,549 people were administered both the doses.
Congress member Shakti Sinh Gohil rued the slow pace of vaccination and said so far only 0.35% population has been vaccinated. “At this rate, it will take 18 years to complete the vaccination process of entire population,” Mr. Gohil said.
To a question by Sukhram Singh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party if arrangements could be done for people above 60 years to get vaccinated at home, the Minister replied, “The issue has been flagged to us but everyone who is vaccinated at hospitals is required to be kept under observation for 30 minutes. The matter will be raised before an expert committee and if it does not compromise their health, it can be considered.” He said ₹35,000 crore has been allocated for vaccines in the 2021-22 Union Budget.
India stands out in terms of vaccine policy, says IMF economist Gita Gopinath
Asked about the efficacy of vaccines against the U.K, South African and Brazilian variant, the Minister replied, “..the efficacy of the vaccines on the mutants, right now, the experts are of the opinion, particularly, about one vaccine, they are very clear that this is also very, very effective on the possible mutations also.”
He said the Central Health Ministry, especially, the NEGVAC or the National Expert Group, keeps in touch with all the latest developments in and outside the country.
