Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday appealed the vaccine manufacturers to bring down the price of Covid-19 vaccines and provide the anti-viral drug at the same cost to all.
CM Kejriwal highlighted the difference in costs of Vaccines. He said that one vaccine producer is providing vaccines to the state govts at Rs 400 per dose and the second producer said that they'll provide at Rs 600 per dose while both of them will provide the same drug at Rs 150 per dose to the central government.
Emphasising the need of the hour, the Chief Minister said, "I hope that the prices remain the same for all. I appeal to vaccine manufacturers to bring down the price to Rs 150/dose."
The Chief Minister also appealed to the central government to cap the price (of vaccines) if needed. "You have an entire lifetime to earn profits. This is not the time to do that when there is a raging pandemic. I also appeal to the Central Govt to cap the price (of vaccines) if needed," the Chief Minister added.
Earlier today, the Delhi government announed to provide free vaccines to everyone above 18 years of age. Kejriwal said that the state government has given the approval for the purchase of 1.34 crore vaccines. "We will make an effort to ensure that it is purchased soon and administered at the earliest to people," he added.
Vaccinations will be open to all adults from Saturday, May 1.
ALSO READ | Health Minister Clarifies New Vaccine Policy Says Center Will Continue With Free Vaccination Drive