Team Herald
PANJIM: The State government has approved the purchase of 5 lakh doses of the COVID-19 vaccination, which are aimed at ensuring sufficient stocks for the upcoming drive for citizens above the age of 18 from May 1.
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Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant referred to the government preparing for this and the upcoming vaccination programme in view of the Central government recently liberalising States to procure the doses directly from manufacturers.
As part of Phase III vaccination programme, vaccine manufacturers will supply 50 per cent of their monthly Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) released doses to the Central government and would be free to supply the remaining 50 per cent doses to the State government and in the open market.
A note issued by Additional Secretary (Health) Vikas S N Gaunekar to the State Directorate of Health Services said, “I am pleased to convey herewith government approval to provide COVID vaccine doses to all the population in the age group 18-45 through the State government free of cost.”
The note added, “The government has initially approved to purchase 5 lakh doses of COVISHIELD from Serum Institute of India (SII) as per Government of India policy at the declared price. You are directed to immediately place the order and put up for approval of the cabinet.”
On April 18, the State government had received 1.5 lakh doses of the COVID vaccine from the Centre. Sawant had spoken about the support it is receiving from the Centre as well as part of the State government’s aim to ensure that the Goans get the vaccine doses free of cost.
Sawant on Thursday tweeted saying, “Our government will be placing an order initially for 5 lakh doses of COVID19 vaccines directly from the manufacturer. Altogether 15 lakh plus doses will be procured at a cost of over Rs 60 crore. The vaccines will be administered free of cost to people between the 18-45 age group. We are committed towards the welfare and good health of all Goans.”
