Survey: 75% people seek vaccine for all above 18 post 6pm in private labs and hospitals

India has vaccinated 3.51 crore citizens across India to date. At the same time, the government has informed that 6.5 per cent of vaccine wastage has been reported in India

There are certain gaps in India's vaccination drive against the Covid-19 virus, a recent survey has revealed.
 

According to a survey conducted by LocalCircles, respondents have pointed out how vaccination norms are allegedly getting violated to make doses available to those who do not necessarily qualify for them.

The survey, which received approximately 19,000 responses from citizens located in 281 districts of India, said that while 70 per cent of citizens said they did not observed any irregularities, 30 per cent citizens say that some healthcare professionals are falsely-certifying people as co-morbid or health or frontline workers to get them vaccinated out of turn.

Out of the 30 per cent respondents, 17 per cent complained about health care "administering leftover doses to those using influence or providing monetary gratification".
 

Another 10 per cent out those who observed irregularities complained of healthcare professionals "overcharging to qualify someone as co-morbid or as a health or frontline worker".

India has vaccinated 3.51 crore citizens across India to date.
 

At the same time, the government has informed that 6.5 per cent of vaccine wastage has been reported in India, especially in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir. 
 

According to the Union Health Secretary, any reduction in vaccine wastage means inoculating more people.

That sentiment has been echoed by 75 per cent people who alternatively suggested that the government should open vaccination for all above 18 by permitting private labs and hospitals to vaccinate post 6 pm for slightly extra charges.
 

The extra charge, respondents believe, will reduce wastage of vaccine, innoculate more people and compensate healthcare professionals for extra hours of work.
 

To note, each 5 ml vial of Covishield vaccine has 10 doses in total and for 10ml Covaxin contains 20 doses per vial. And, once opened, all doses have to be consumed within 4 hours.