Speed of Vaccination should not come Down: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that there is need to sentisize states that the speed of vaccination does not come down. Citizens should be facilitated for vaccination despite lockdowns and healthcare workers involved in vaccination must not be diverted for other duties, he emphasized.

India on Thursday reported 4,12,262 new cases and 3,980 deaths in the last 24 hours. India had become the first country in the world to register over 4 lakh infections in a single day on April 30, when it reported 4.08 lakh infections.

PM Modi undertook a comprehensive review of the COVID-19 related situation in the country. He was given a detailed picture on the COVID outbreak in various states and districts. He was informed about the 12 states which have more than 1 lakh active cases. PM was also apprised about the districts with high disease burden. PM was briefed about the ramping up of healthcare infrastructure by the states. PM directed that states should be given help and guidance about leading indicators to ramp up healthcare infrastructure.

PM reviewed the progress on vaccination and the roadmap for scaling up production on vaccines in the next few months. He was informed that around 17.7 crore vaccines have been supplied to the states. PM also reviewed the state wise trends on vaccine wastage. PM was briefed that around 31 percent  of eligible population over the age of 45 has been given atleast one dose. PM spoke about the need to sensitise states that the speed of vaccination doesn’t come down. 

The need to ensure quick & holistic containment measures were also discussed. PM noted that an advisory was sent to the states to identify districts of concern where Case positivity is 10% or more & Bed occupancy is more than 60% on either oxygen supported or ICU beds. PM also reviewed the availability of medicines. He was briefed about the rapid augmenting of production of medicines including Remdesivir.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare said the Centre has so far provided more than 17.15 crore vaccine doses to States/UTs Free of Cost. Of this, the total consumption including wastages is 16,26,10,905doses. 

More than 89 lakh COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered. States with negative balance are showing more consumption (including wastage) than vaccine supplied as they have not reconciled the vaccine they have supplied to Armed Forces.

Furthermore, more than 28 lakh (28,90,360) vaccine doses will be received in addition by the States/UTs within the next 3 days.