In just one swift announcement, Prime Minister Modi destroyed the fake narratives peddled by the Opposition parties. During the first phase of vaccination, the Centre assumed responsibility for both the procurement and distribution and there were hardly any hiccups during the drive. Then the Opposition parties and the friendly media, advocated for the decentralisation of the vaccination program, reminding PM Modi that health is a state subject, and the Centre should not ‘control’ everything. Expectedly, the Opposition parties led state governments massively bungled the vaccination drive with some governments sensing an opportunity to profit from the pandemic. In his address, PM Modi stated that from June 21 onwards the procurement of vaccines and their distribution will be managed by the Centre with all 18+ population to be given the vaccines for free as India chases its target of vaccinating its entire adult population by end of 2021.
The Prime Minister in his address to the nation stated that “Covid-19 is the deadliest pandemic in the past 100 years. The modern world has not seen such a pandemic. Our country has fought this pandemic at many levels.”
Commenting on the oxygen supply, PM Modi said, “During the second wave, the demand for medical oxygen in the country increased unimaginably in the months of April and May. Never in the history of India has the need for medical oxygen been felt in such quantity.” He added, “To meet this demand, work was done on a war footing.”
The Prime Minister then proceeded to shed light on India’s vaccination policy. He said, “Very few companies making vaccines in the world… Imagine what would have happened if India didn’t have a vaccine producing company?”
Saluting the nation’s scientists, PM Modi said, “Our country, scientists have shown that India is not behind big countries. Today when I am talking to you, more than 23 crore people have been vaccinated in the country.”
He added, “Today 7 companies in the country are producing different types of vaccines. Trial of three more vaccines is also going in the advanced stage.”
Coming to the all-important announcement, PM Modi stated, “Today, a decision has been taken that Centre will now also bear the responsibility of 25 per cent of the work related to vaccination with the states.” He added, “This arrangement will be implemented in the coming 2 weeks.”
Now, 75 per cent of the vaccinations across the country will be completely handled by the Centre will all adult population eligible to get a free vaccine from June 21 onwards. 25 per cent has been allocated to the private sector who are free to procure vaccines directly from the manufacturers and inoculate people at a cost. However, PM Modi categorically stated that their service charge would be capped at Rs 150 per dose.
Prime Minister Modi in his fiery speech completely exposed the opposition and busted the fake narrative as he showed the mirror to the Opposition parties. One hopes that India is able to achieve its target of vaccinating all of its adult population by the end of this year.