Harshvardhan says that vaccines are not taken abroad at the cost of Indians

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan told the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday that vaccines are not being sent abroad at the cost of Indian citizens.

He said that 30 lakh people were vaccinated against COVID-19 on Monday and 3 crore people have been vaccinated so far.

“A healthy balance is being maintained. yesterday [Monday] More than 3 million people received vaccines. The criteria are set according to the World Health Organization and other international standards. It is a dynamic process. Even today, if one of the priority groups wants a vaccine, they can register on the COWIN portal and get vaccinated. The vaccine is free in all government hospitals. Private hospitals can charge only ₹ 250. Fixed 100 has been earmarked for the hospital arrangements, ”he replied to the members during the question hour. He said that as a strategy, the price has been fixed at the 150.

He said that 5.94 crore vaccines have been sent to 72 foreign countries so far.

“Science is global. Technology can be local but the benefits must be shared with everyone. ”

According to the Health Ministry data, at 7 am on Tuesday (59th day of the drive), 3.29 crore people received the vaccine, but only 45,99,549 people were given both doses.

Congress member Shakti Singh Gohil acknowledged the slow pace of vaccination and said that so far only 0.35% of the population has been vaccinated. “At this rate, it will take 18 years for the entire population to complete the vaccination process,” Mr. Gohil said.

Sukhram Singh Yadav of Samajwadi Party said on a question that if vaccination can be arranged at home for people above 60 years of age, the minister replied, “This issue has been given to us green signal, But it is necessary to have all the people vaccinated in hospitals. Kept under observation for 30 minutes. The matter will be taken up before the expert committee and if it does not compromise their health, it can be considered. He said that in the Union Budget for 2021-22, said 35,000 crores have been allocated for vaccines.

When asked about the efficacy of vaccines against Britain, South African and Brazilian variants, the minister replied, “.. the efficacy of vaccines on mutants, right now, is the opinion of experts, specifically, about a vaccine.” , They are very clear that it is also very possible, also very effective on potential mutations. “

He said that the Union Ministry of Health, in particular, NEGVAC or National Expert Group, keeps in touch with all the latest happenings in and outside the country.