Govt working tirelessly to ensure Covid-19 vaccine for all: Harshvardhan

"Our government is working round the clock to ensure that there is a fair and equitable distribution of vaccines, once they are ready. Our utmost priority is how to ensure vaccine for each and everybody in the country,” he said.

“#WatchNow the 4th Edition of #SundaySamvaad I’m thankful that so many of you are participating actively in this dialogue and helping to create mass awareness on important issues,” Harsh Vardhan tweeted.

“A high-level expert body is studying all aspects of the vaccine, including how to ensure equitable distribution. Lists of citizen groups that would require vaccine immediately are being made by the health ministry in association with the state government,” he said.

The health minister added that states have been told to submit lists of priority population groups that need to be administered the vaccine first, such as doctors, nurses, sanitation staff, ASHA workers, surveillance officers etc, who are involved in tracing,  testing and treatment of patients. These will include workers of both private and government sector will be a part of the list.

The health minister said October end has been set as the deadline to complete this humongous exercise.

States are being closely guided to submit details about cold chain facilities and other related infrastructure which will be required down to the block level, he said, adding that the Centre is also working to build capacities in HR, training, etc.

The government’s target would be to receive and utilise 400-500 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine covering approximately 20-25 crore people by July 2021, he said.

“ We are also keeping an eye on immunity data with regard to the disease,” he said.

As of today, India's overall Covid-19 tally stood at  65,49,373 as the country recorded 75,829 new cases today. A total of 940 people died of the virus, taking the toll to 1,01,782.