Over 193.53 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses provided to states, UTs, says Centre

NEW DELHI: Over 193.53 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses have been provided to states and Union Territories so far free of cost and through direct state procurement category, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Saturday. The ministry also said that 16,67,39,155 balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered.

The Central government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country. The nationwide Covid-19 vaccination started on January 16, 2021. The new phase of universalisation of Covid-19 vaccination commenced from June 21, 2021.

More than 193.53 crore (1,93,53,58,865) vaccine doses have been provided to States/UTs so far through Govt. of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category
— Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare

The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to states and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.

As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, the Government of India has been supporting the states and UTs by providing them Covid vaccines free of cost, the ministry said.

In the new phase of the universalisation of the vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to states and UTs. (ANI)