India gives 8.5 million COVID-19 vaccines in a day |
A record nearly 8.5 million COVID-19 vaccine doses were administered in India on a single day on 21st June 2021. It was a landmark achievement as India rolled out the new policy of free vaccines for all by the federal government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. On 21st June, India also celebrates the International Day of Yoga declared by the United Nations 7 years ago that has become a global hallmark of promoting and practising wellness. The Modi government said the sharp upsurge marked a new phase of universalisation of Covid-19 vaccination. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the enthusiasm and tweeted, "Today`s record-breaking vaccination numbers are gladdening. The vaccine remains our strongest weapon to fight Covid-19. Congratulations to those who got vaccinated and kudos to all the front-line workers working hard to ensure so many citizens got the vaccine,". Beginning 21st June, the Indian federal government will procure 75 per cent of the vaccine from the market and distribute it free to the states. The vaccines are already free at all government centres. The remaining 25 percent will be administered at private hospitals, who can charge Rs150 over the price of the vaccine. Over 80,000 vaccination centres are operational across India. The maximum doses were administered in Madhya Pradesh (1.6 million), followed by Karnataka (1 million), Uttar Pradesh (690 thousand, Gujarat (500 thousand), Bihar (488 thousand) and Haryana (480 thousand). Maharashtra, one of the worst-affected states, saw 380 thousand vaccinations. The federal government has increased supplies to states, thereby increasing the number of free vaccination sites. Almost 30 million doses have been given to the states. The Indian government put out an ambitious estimate that it will now administer 8.2 million doses daily to finally inoculate all Indians above 18 by the end of 2021.
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