The Maharashtra Government in its Cabinet meeting yesterday decided to give free Covid-19 vaccines to all those between 18 and 14 years. But keeping in view the practical problems of shortage of vaccines, it also decided to defer the vaccination drive for that age from May 1.

Announcing this important decision of free vaccination for 18 to 44 year old people after the State Cabinet meeting, the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray informed that a sum of Rs 6,500 crore had been earmarked for this plan.

Besides this, the Cabinet also deliberated on the current Covid-19 situation in the State, the ongoing vaccination drive and the current lockdown measures and other issues.

The State Health Minister Rajesh Tope giving details of the deferment of the planned vaccination drive from May 1 said: "We don't have sufficient stocks of the vaccine now. We want to avoid a demand-supply gap so we will not start the vaccination for 18-44 age group from May 1. We will launch it as soon as enough stocks are created," Tope added.

The Minister, however, clarified that the ongoing vaccination for the 45 years and above will continue as usual.

On the issue of vaccination drive for the 18 to 44 year group, the Government had set a target of six months to complete it. Also to oversee the micro planning of the process, a committee would be formed.

The CM informed that people will be informed about the drive from May 1 depending on the supply of the doses. He added the State will procure doses from all sources, including imports if required.

The CM observed: "Despite the financial crisis confronting the state, the health of the people is of utmost priority for us which is why the state government has decided to provide free vaccinations to all between 18-44 age group.”

Vaccine doses

Elaborating on the procurement of vaccines, Tope said that at present vaccines are available from the Serum Institute of India (SII), Pune, and Bharat Biotech International Ltd. (BBIL), Hyderabad, the State Government was in touch with both for more doses.

He added that BBIL had informed that it can supply nearly 10 lakh doses per month over the next couple of months, and later this will be doubled. SII had verbally informed of giving one crore doses per month, a day after it said it can supply only after May 20.

With an estimated 5.71 crore people in the 18 to 44 years bracket, Tope said the State needed nearly 12 crore vaccines over the next six months. He also clarified that the vaccine would be administered free in government hospitals and will be chargeable in private hospitals.

Apart from SIL and BBIL, the Maha Vikas Aghadi Government will also explore the possibility of procuring Sputnik V vaccine for which the State would seek Centre’s help.