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Kerala Kaumudi Online
Friday, 29 March 2024 2.07 PM IST

Kerala to procure vaccine at an expense of Rs 2600 crore: Centre ready to bear half of the cost, says Modi; not enough, says Pinarayi

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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the central government will bear half of the cost to purchase the COVID vaccine for Kerala. However, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that it was not enough and demanded the Centre to bear the entire cost.

The Prime Minister made his promise during a video conference with the Chief Ministers yesterday. The CM later told a press conference that he had asked the Centre to bear the entire cost.

The Prime Minister's suggestion came at a time when Kerala was moving ahead with its decision to buy the vaccine directly. The Chief Minister pointed out in the video conference that the Centre's new vaccine policy would impose a huge financial burden on the states.

"The problem is that companies are given the power to set the price of the vaccine. The Serum Institute has decided to give the vaccine to the states at Rs 400 instead of Rs 150 to the Center. Then it will cost the state Rs 2,600 crore. Even if the amount is reduced to half, it will be a huge liability for the state," Pinarayi Vijayan said during the meeting.

" The Centre's co-operation has been requested for 'Crush the Curve' mission. There will be strong competition among states for the vaccine as there are no quotas set for the states. This is not desirable in the face of an epidemic that makes millions sick. The Centre's policy that only those with money should buy the vaccine is not correct. The new vaccine policy places an additional burden on states. The central government should be ready to provide free vaccines across the country. The vaccine will be free in Kerala," the CM added.

The CM welcomed the Centre's decision to vaccinate everyone above the age of 18 from May 1. In Kerala, 55.09 lakh people have received the first dose while 8.37 lakh people received both doses. There are 1.13 crore people over the age of 45. The four lakh dose in stock will expire in two days. Kerala's demand for a 50 lakh dose is justified. He requested the Prime Minister to make it available as soon as possible. Special counters will be considered for those with other ailments and the elderly. The CM also said that special facilities will be provided for vaccination in tribal areas.

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TAGS: KERALA, VACCINE, COVID, CENTRAL GOVT, MODI, PINARAYI VIJAYAN
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