24,000 Indian private hospitals join COVID vaccination drive |
The Indian government on 24th February 2021 has approved 24,000 designated private hospitals to administer the Covid-19 vaccine. This will truly ensure that vaccine is available and given to as large a population and as fast as possible. First to be vaccinated would be senior citizens above 60 and those above 45 with co-morbidities starting 1st of March. Only private hospitals empanelled under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana have been identified for the exercise. Private hospitals may not be permitted to sell the vaccine but could be allowed to collect a nominal fee to administer it. 10,000 government hospitals will provide vaccination for free. After the Union cabinet meeting on 24th February, Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said: “The Cabinet has taken a decision that the next phase of vaccination will begin from March 1 in which those above 60 years of age and 45 plus with co-morbidities will be administered vaccine in 10,000 government medical facilities and nearly 24,000 private hospitals.” Javadekar said the Health Ministry will come up with a detailed announcement after firming up details over the next couple of days. He said “Whoever goes to a government centre will be administered a vaccine free of cost. But if a person takes his vaccine in a private hospital, he would have to pay a fee,”. The government plans to open the Co-WIN app starting 25th February for states to register vaccination centres. However, Odisha, Telangana, West Bengal and Delhi — which have stayed out of the PMJAY scheme — will need clarity on identifying private hospitals. The private sector is hopeful of getting the opportunity to sell the vaccine. The price will be determined and fixed over the next few days.
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