Minister for Health and Family Welfare Ma Subramanian informed reporters in Coimbatore on Tuesday that the Tamil Nadu government is planning to provide free vaccines at private hospitals in the state using corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds from private firms.

The Health Minister said that the scheme will initially be launched in Coimbatore and later expanded to other parts of the state. Claiming that private hospitals were not using the vaccines allotted to them fully, Ma Subramanian reportedly said, "While 75 % vaccines manufactured in the country are procured by the Union Government, 25% of vaccines are (earmarked) for private hospitals. However, private hospitals are not using their total allotment fully."

"Funds from private firms and institutions were used for buying equipment and improving facilities in hospitals when the State was reeling under COVID-19. With the COVID-19 situation eased, the government is exploring possibilities of using CSR funds for free vaccinations through private hospitals," the minister added.