Health Ministry Says It Doesn't Agree With Calculation Of Rs 80,000 Crore For Covid-19 Vaccine Distribution

The Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said on Tuesday (29 September) that the government differs from the calculation that Rs 80,000 crore is needed for distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine among the population, reports Times of India.

Poonawalla had days ago taken to Twitter and asked the government if it had Rs 80,000 crore available over the next year for the distribution of the vaccine. He had said that this was a concerning challenge that would need to be addressed.

Responding to the same, "We do not agree by the calculation of Rs 80,000 crore," Bhushan said.

He added that the government's national committee of vaccine experts has held five meetings so far, mulling over the process of vaccine distribution as well as the amount of money required for it in terms of prioritisation of population and the staggered immunisation.

Bhushan clearly stated that the national committee of experts had calculated the amount required in the meetings, and at present, the government has the amount required to meet the needs.