Vaccine to be free across India in first phase: Union Health Minister

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that the coronavirus vaccine will be free across the country in the first phase. Speaking to the media, the BJP leader also spoke of who will get access to the vaccine on a priority basis. 

“In the first phase of the vaccination drive, free vaccine shall be provided across the nation to the most prioritized beneficiaries,” the Minister said. So, who are the most prioritized beneficiaries?

Among others, one crore healthcare and two crore frontline workers will be inoculated. 

By the end of July this year, 30 crore people will be vaccinated. “Details of how the rest of the 27 crore people will be vaccinated are being finalized,” the Health Minister informed. 

It’s held by commentators that not everyone in the country should be vaccinated for free. Well-off people are 30% of the population and they have to be asked to pay for the vaccine jabs.