One crore people to get vaccinated this month; asks centre for more doses, CM informs assembly

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that one crore people will be vaccinated in the state this month. The chief minister informed the assembly that 28,44,000 vaccine doses will be available this month. The chief minister said this while replying to the attention calling of P Nanda Kumar.

Of the 28,44,000 doses, 24 lakh are Covishield. Vaccination of people above 45 years of age is nearing completion in many districts. For those under 45, jabs for priority sections are also nearing completion. This will be completed once the vaccine is obtained. The state has asked centre for more vaccine. Pinarayi also told the house that a letter has been sent to the Prime Minister asking to invite a global tender for vaccine.

If states are permitted to invite global tenders, it will lead to make them more competitive. This will not be beneficial. This will help to increase the price of the vaccine. Therefore, the chief minister mentioned in the letter to the Prime Minister that it would be better for the Centre to call a global tender.

The state government is of the view that the vaccine should be made available to all free of cost. This policy has been clarified more than once. The centre has been strongly informed this. Priority for giving vaccine to people who comes in contact with the general public is given. Kerala is constantly pressuring centre to provide the required vaccines and it has yielded some results, he said.