Centre takes back vaccination control from states; to vaccinate all above 18 for free from June 21

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday addressed the nation during which he said that from June 21, the Government of India will provide free vaccine to the states for all citizens above the age of 18 years. The Government of India will itself buy 75 per cent of the total vaccine production from manufacturers and give it free to the state governments.

Private sector hospitals can purchase 25 per cent of the vaccine being made in the country. Private hospitals will be able to charge a maximum service charge of Rs 150 for a single dose after the fixed price of the vaccine. The task of monitoring it will remain with the state governments

Here are highlights of the Prime Minister's address to the nation:

* Our battle with the second wave of Coronavirus continues. India has gone through a lot in this battle. 

* The government undertook efforts on a war scale. All government mechanisms were put into service. Oxygen trains were run, oxygen production was ramped up, Indian Air Force aircraft were deployed.

* Covid protocol is the most potent weapon against an ever-transforming enemy.

* Vaccine is our shield against Coronavirus.

* 50-60 years ago, it used to take India decades to get vaccines developed abroad. People waited for decades for vaccines. Since 2014, vaccination coverage was only 60 per cent. This was a concern for us. The pace at which vaccination was happening, total vaccination would have taken 40 years. We launched Mission Indradhanush to conduct vaccination in mission mode and in just 5-6 years, vaccination coverage in India is now at 90 per cent. 

* We protected kids from life-threatening diseases, we included new vaccines into the programme.

The world wondered how India would cope with the new pandemic. India has within a year launched two Made in India vaccines. Our scientists showed that we are not behind any other country. As of now, 23 crore people have been vaccinated.

* We were confident that our scientists will develop vaccines. While they were working, we were looking after the logistics. In April last year, a vaccine task force had been set up. Vaccine manufacturers received all sort of support from the government, funds were given for research and development and help was provided for clinical trials.

* Vaccine supply will increase in the time to come. Vaccine procurement has been augmented.

* India is researching nasal vaccine. If India finds success in the near future, it will speed up the vaccination process.

* Developing these vaccines in such a limited time is a historical feat in itself.

* WHO gave guidelines for vaccination. India too adopted the best practices to begin a phase-wise vaccination programme. The Centre took into account the views of MPs and chief ministers and decided that those who are at higher risk of the virus will be vaccinated first.

* Can you imagine what would have happened if the frontline workers and health care staff had not received the vaccine before the second wave of Coronavirus? Vaccination has ensured that they were able to save millions of others.

* Amid a reduction in cases, different views came forth. Why is the Centre taking decisions unilaterally? Some said, one size does not fit all. Some said health was a state subject and hence they should be taking decision. We formulated guidelines for state government. We accepted their demands.

* From January 16 till April end, vaccination was happening under the Centre's direction. India was moving towards free vaccination. People were also getting vaccinated. But states wanted vaccination to be decentralised. All kind of voices came to the front. They asked why should Centre vaccinated older people first. A section of the media ran this as a campaign.

* So there was consensus that if the states want decentralised, why should Centre object? So we brought about a change. We decided to give 25% of the work to states. From May 1, states have tried. They came to know the difficulties associated with the vaccination process.

* By the second week of May, some states acknowledged that the previous arrangement was fine. States wanted a reconsideration. 

* From Monday, June 21, the Centre will provide free vaccine to the states for all citizens above the age of 18 years. The Centre itself will buy 75 per cent of the total vaccine production from vaccine manufacturers and give it free to the state governments.

* Private sector hospitals can purchase 25 per cent of the vaccine being made in the country. Private hospitals will be able to charge a maximum service charge of Rs 150 for a single dose after the fixed price of the vaccine. The task of monitoring it will remain with the state governments

* Centre will provide free vaccination for all. Those who want to get vaccinated in private hospitals can do so. Private hospitals can charge only Rs 150 as an additional charge.

* I am announcing another important decision. Due to the second wave of Coronavirus, PM Garib Kalyan Yojana will be taken forward till Diwali (November). Free ration will be provided to 80 crore Indians.

* Reports of misinformation on vaccines have been coming in. These are worrying. Some tried to demotivate Indian vaccine manufacturers. Rumours were floated to prevent vaccination. The nation is watching these people. Those casting doubt on vaccination are playing with the lives of innocent Indians. I appeal to all to help spread awareness on vaccines.

* Unlock does not mean Coronavirus is over. Guidelines must be strictly followed.