Maharashtra districts run out of COVID-19 vaccine; drive likely to be halted

In recent developments, Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar has informed that there is a possibility of a COVID-19 vaccine shortage in Mumbai.

According to reports, Akola, Yavatmal, Buldhana, and Washim, all in the Amravati division along with Nagpur Rural and the city’s Government Medical College have enough stock to last only one more day. If not replenished immediately, the state is to stop vaccinations from Thursday, April 8.

However, Mumbai is supposed to receive the next stock of the COVID-19 vaccine after April 15. This delay can result in a couple of days in between where the vaccination process has to be halted.

Pednekar, criticizing the central government, stated, "Love on the surface and eat on the stomach. The state government has demanded stocks of the vaccine from the central government. The state government is also sending a letter. However, we are not getting the vaccine,” The Mumbai Mayor further appealed to the Centre to provide enough vaccines for people above 45 years even if they cannot arrange for enough shots for those younger.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope also expressed concern over the shortage of vaccines, stating that the government is working on war footing to ensure there are enough beds in hospitals of Pune, Mumbai and Nashik.

In the past, on January 16, Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray launched the vaccination drive for the coronavirus in the state as he inaugurated the vaccination centre at BKC. Moreover, data shows that states like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, and Kerala account for around 60 per cent of the total vaccine doses administered so far.