The latest decision of the Central government that the states should directly purchase the Covid vaccine from the manufacturers is almost evading its responsibility to supply vaccine to the states. 50% of the manufactured vaccine is to be supplied to centre at lower rate, while the charge to be paid by the states are Rs.400. This is also discrimination. Private hospitals have to purchase at Rs.600. Earlier the vaccination in private hospitals cost only Rs. 250, which will now be increased to Rs.600 or more.

The central government should take full responsibility to supply vaccine free to the states. The PM Care Fund, which has got huge funds can be utilised for the same.