Why Is Delhi Vaccination Below National Average? Minister's Answer

"Vaccinations have been 30 to 40 per cent less in central government hospitals, that is why Delhi's average has come down," Satyendra Jain said, responding to Harsh Vardhan's comment on Delhi falling below the national average of inoculations.

In a row between the centre and some states over vaccine stocks, Delhi's ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today hit back at Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan over his comment that the capital had fallen short of vaccination targets. Delhi has four-five days of Covid shots left, city Health Minister Satyendra Jain said. "Vaccinations have been 30 to 40 per cent less in central government hospitals, that is why Delhi's average has come down," Mr Jain said, responding to Harsh Vardhan's comment on Delhi falling below the national average of inoculations. Last evening, the Union Health Minister had rubbished Maharashtra's vaccine shortage claim and had also hit out at demands by states like Maharashtra and Delhi for opening up vaccinations to more adults. Among his arguments was that some of these states had failed to vaccinate all those eligible in targeted groups. In Delhi, he said, only 71.69 per cent healthcare workers had received the first dose as compared to the national average of 85.8 per cent and only 41.48 per cent healthcare workers have received the second dose as compared to the national average of 51.49.