Explain vax ‘sale’ to pvt hospitals: Centre to Punjab

New Delhi, June 4

The Union Health Ministry on Friday asked Punjab to clarify allegations raised by media reports on the alleged ‘sale’ of Covaxin doses at a profit to 20 private hospitals in the state, noting that prima facie it was in violation of the Liberalised Pricing and Accelerated National Covid-19 Vaccination Strategy. The Punjab Government withdrew the controversial agreement today and asked private facilities to return the vaccine stocks.

Order on doses to private hospitals has been withdrawn. These will be administered free to those in 18-44 group at govt centres. BS Sidhu, Punjab Health Minister

Additional Secretary (Health) Vandana Gurnani, in her letter to Punjab’s Principal Secretary, Health, wrote: “As you are aware, from May 1, 2021, the Liberalised Pricing and Accelerated National Covid-19 Vaccination Strategy has come into force. According to this strategy, private sector hospitals are directly procuring Covid-l9 vaccines from the manufacturers. The state government is, therefore, requested to confirm the veracity of this news article and send a clarification to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare immediately.” — TNS