Why are private hospitals charging for COVID-19 vaccine, asks Chavan
What's the story
Congress leader Prithviraj Chavan on Tuesday questioned the Centre's decision to let private hospitals charge for the COVID-19 vaccine in Phase-II of the immunization drive that began on Monday.
Last week, the government announced that people above the age of 60 and over 45 years suffering from co-morbidities can avail the vaccine for free at government facilities and for Rs. 250 at private hospitals.
Information
Chavan: Rs. 35,000 crore had been earmarked for vaccination drive
According to a statement issued by his office, Chavan said in Phase-I of the drive, the Union Government had procured 1.65 crore doses of the vaccine at a cost of Rs. 210 per dose.
As per the February 1 budget speech delivered by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Rs. 35,000 crore had been earmarked for the vaccination drive, the former Maharashtra Chief Minister said.
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Chavan questioned the budgetary provisions
"At the cost of Rs. 210 per dose, more than 1.5 billion doses can be procured and 75 crore people can be inoculated twice, covering almost the entire adult population of the country. If budgetary provisions have been made, why charge common people?" quoted Chavan.
Further statements
Chavan demanded that free vaccines be provided
Countries including the US, UK, and Canada are providing free vaccines to their citizens either through insurance schemes or budgetary provisions. "I demand that all beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana be given free vaccines," Chavan said.
Despite lofty budgetary announcements and India being the largest supplier of the COVID-19 vaccine, the Modi Government is digging into the common man's pocket, Chavan alleged.