‘Running A Marathon, Not 100-Metre Race’: Centre's Rebuttal On Covid Vaccine Shortage Allegations

Union Health Ministry, Joint Secretary, Lav Agarwal said “we are running a marathon, not a 100-meter race”.

Corona vaccination drive | File Image

New Delhi: Amid concerns regarding vaccine shortage in several parts of the country, the Central government on Friday equated the present situation in view of the Covid-19 pandemic with a “marathon”.  The government explained that it provides and coordinates with states “based on availability and logistics at the state end”.

Union Health Ministry, Joint Secretary, Lav Agarwal said “we are running a marathon, not a 100-meter race”.

“Therefore, we need to understand that it is a projection given on the manufacturing capacity of our pharma companies,” Agarwal said.

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“We provide and coordinate with states based on availability and logistics at the state end,” he added while addressing a media briefing in the national capital.

Meanwhile, Niti Aayog (Member) Health Dr. V.K. Paul said the situation is dynamic, adding the Centre coordinates with manufacturers “on a day-to-day basis”.

“When production comes, 75 percent of the doses are given free to the state. The second level of planning is required at the state level,” said Dr. Paul.

“If we look at the next 15 days, we discuss with states and plan on an availability basis. This is a regular exercise done with states,” he added.

The Niti Aayog (Member) Health further informed that India is in talks with Johnson & Johnson regarding their single-dose vaccine.

“Their vaccine is being produced outside. As per the plan, this vaccine will also be produced in Hyderabad’s Bio E,” he added.

The Covid-19 vaccine slowdown has raised concerns over supply, particularly in India’s most populous state Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.