Will there be free vaccination for the poor? Congress asks PM Modi

NEW DELHI:

The opposition Congress on Sunday asked whether the government plans to provide free vaccines to all Indian citizens, especially the underprivileged and the poor.

The world's biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 16.

Congress spokesman Randeep Surjewala has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to make good on the government's promises to provide them free of cost to the citizens.

"'Who’, ‘How’ & ‘Where’ of Free Corona Vaccine. Who will get Free Corona Vaccine? How many people will get Free Corona Vaccine? Where will you get Free Corona Vaccine?" Surjewala asked.

He further questioned the government for reportedly charging ₹1,000 per dose of corona vaccine in 'open market'.

"When ‘Covishield Vaccine’ is being supplied at ₹200/dose to Govt by Serum Institue of India (SII), why should they be permitted to make a 500 per cent profit for ‘Off the Shelf’ purchase & profiteer at cost of people?" the Congress leader questioned.

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The Congress has slammed the Modi government for "not organising" a concise plan to provide free vaccines to the impoverished and underprivileged.

Surjewala also reminded the BJP of the promises it made during the Bihar election campaign of providing free vaccines.

“Is the government not aware that 81.3 crore people are eligible for subsidised ration under the Food Security Act? Will the SC, ST, BC, BPL, APL, the poor and the underprivileged get the vaccine for free or not? If yes, what is the rollout plan and by when will the government ensure free vaccination? PM Modi and the BJP government need to answer... Who will get free corona vaccine? How many people will get it?” he asked.

Meanwhile, a total of 2 lakh 24 thousand and 301 beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far, said the Health Ministry.

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