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With a significant ramp-up of production done by the vaccine makers of the country, 13.5 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines will be available across the country in the month of July, according to a report in The Indian Express. Also, starting from 21st June, the central government will procure 75% of all vaccines doses produced and distribute them to the states for free vaccination of every citizen above the age of 18 years. The announcement of free vaccination had been made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation earlier this month.
The two major COVID-19 vaccine makers in the country – the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech – have been taking steps for the past two months to increase their vaccine production capabilities. Sources within the government told The Indian Express that 50% of the planned capacity expansion has been completed while the remaining work will be done by the end of this month. The results of the expansion would be felt in the months of July and August. It is learnt that of the total 13.5 crore doses available in July, 2.5 crore doses will be of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin.
The increase in vaccine production coupled with the free availability of vaccines at government facilities will increase the pace of vaccination in the country.
Starting from Monday, while 75% of vaccines will be procured by the Centre, the private hospitals can purchase vaccines directly from the remaining 25% stock. According to sources, the government will hold a meeting with private hospitals on Sunday to ensure that small private hospitals in remote areas are also able to procure vaccines. Under its revised vaccine policy, the Centre had announced that it would facilitate the supply of vaccines and its payment for small hospitals through National Health Authority’s electronic platform.
The state governments have also been instructed to aggregate the demand among private hospitals to ensure fair distribution of vaccines across all regions and between big and small hospitals.