PM Modi Announces Centralised Vaccine Drive after Naveen’s Suggestion

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today announced a centralised vaccine drive, stating all vaccine procured by the Centre will be provided to state and union territory (UT) governments for “free from June 21”.

The Prime Minister made this announcement while addressing the nation today.

The announcement comes days after Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik wrote to his counterparts seeking a consensus that the Centre should procure vaccines and distribute to the States in order to ensure a universal vaccination programme in the country.

In his address to the nation today, Modi said that all vaccine will be procured by the Centre and will be provided to states and union territories.

The new scheme will be implemented in the next two weeks, adding that the state and UT governments will be informed in advance about the doses they will receive from the Centre, Modi said.

“25 per cent of vaccination work with states will now be handled by the Centre, it will be implemented in the coming two weeks. Both State and Centre to work as per new guidelines in the coming two weeks. From June 21 June, free vaccine for people above 18 years,” the PM added.