Maharashtra to provide free vaccination to all citizens above 18 years

Govt. to float global tender to procure best vaccine at best possible price, says Minister

The Uddhav Thackeray government is in favour of providing free vaccination for its citizens above 18 years in the third phase of vaccination drive, said Cabinet Minister Nawab Malik on Sunday. Mr. Malik said the “Maha Vikas Aghadi government” will float a global tender to procure the “best vaccine at the best possible price” to fight the scourge. He said for two doses per person, the State government would need to purchase 14-15 crore vials for the third phase of the drive. “The Centre had earlier announced vaccination for all citizens above 18 years with the caveat that the expenditure for the inoculation for citizens between 18-45 years will have to borne by the State governments. In the last Cabinet meeting, we discussed this issue and it was unanimously decided that the State would provide for the vaccination of all citizens in the 18-45 age group,” he said.