Assam MLA Says 3 Vaccine Centres Charging Registration Fee, Probe Ordered

Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha tabled an official letter by additional chief medical and health officer of Karimganj district on the matter.

Congress MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha today alleged in the Assam assembly that three COVID-19 vaccination centres in Karimganj district are illegally charging Rs 5 as registration fee for the jabs, prompting the government to announce an inquiry. Raising the issue during the Question Hour, Mr Purkayastha tabled an official letter written by the additional chief medical and health officer of the district flagging the matter. "The additional chief medical and health officer wrote in his letter that three vaccine centres are charging Rs 5 as registration fees. This is a huge irregularity as the vaccines are meant to be given free," he added. Reacting to the matter, Health and Family Welfare Minister Keshab Mahanta said he will "definitely look into" the allegation. "We will conduct an inquiry and take action accordingly," he added.