The state government of Maharashtra, in a recent announcement, confirmed that the citizens in the age group of 18 to 45, will be vaccinated free of cost in the state. The announcement was made on Sunday, April 25, 2021.
Starting May 1, 2021, COVID-19 vaccines will be given to citizens above the 18 and the Thackeray government has started planning the drive actively. Earlier, on Saturday, April 24, 2021, the state government decided to issue a global tender to make more vaccines available, with an aim to avoid the shortage of vaccines at vaccination centers from May 1.
However, several questions were being asked about the cost of vaccines and if the government planned to give it for free. Addressing the same, the state government decided to announce free vaccinations for citizens in the above-mentioned age group.
Information regarding the same was given by the state's minority minister and NCP leader Nawab Malik. While addressing the media, Malik said the Maharashtra government would provide free vaccines to everyone in the state who are between the age of 18 and 45. He also confirmed that the tenders will be invited and maximum number of vaccines will be procured to ensure availability.
The matter was also discussed at a cabinet meeting and the decision was taken after thorough consideration, post which CM Uddhav Thackeray approved the same.
Currently, the Serum Institute of India (SII) has announced that the Covishield Vaccine will be made available to the Centre for INR 150, while the state will have to pay INR 400 and private hospitals will have to pay INR 600. Meanwhile, the price of Covaxin was decided to be INR 600 for states and INR 1,200 for private hospitals.
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