The Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi has deep concern and sense of anguish regarding the new Covid-19 vaccination policy announced by the Centre.
In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Ms Gandhi writes, “It is surprising that despite the harsh lessons of last year and the pain inflicted on our citizens, the government continues to follow an arbitrary and discriminatory policy, which promises to exacerbate existing challenges.”
“The policy implies that the Government of India has abdicated its responsibility to provide free vaccination for citizens between the age group of 18 to 45 years. This is complete abandonment of the Government’s responsibility towards our youth,” Ms Gandhi further writes in her letter.
The Serum Institute has announced that the price of vaccine will be Rs 150/- per dose for the central Government, Rs 400/- per dose for the state Government, and Rs 600/- per dose for private hospitals. Reacting to this move, Ms Gandhi wrote, “This means that citizens will be compelled to pay these high rates to be vaccinated, this will also bleed the finances of the states”.
She raised few questions and asked PM Modi, “How can the same vaccine manufactured by the same company have three different prices?How can the Government of India permit such brazen profiteering from people’s misery?”.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, she added, “At a time when medical resources are scarce, hospital beds are unavailable and oxygen supply and availability of essential medicines are dwindling rapidly, the government shouldn’t allow a policy that reeks of insensitivity. Even with regards to 50% quota for vaccines available with the Centre, the allocation must be transparent and equitable.”
Congress leader continued further,
‘I would urge you to intervene immediately and reverse this ill considered decision. The nation’s goal must be to ensure that everyone over 18 years is given the vaccine, regardless of their economic circumstances.”
