Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope demands 20 lakh vaccines from the Centre

On Thursday, May 13, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope demanded 20 lakh vaccines for the coronavirus from the Centre in order to complete the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine in Maharashtra.

The Union Health Ministry was interacting with the Health Ministers of six states including Maharashtra through the television system.

The important points made by Health Minister Rajesh Tope are as follows:

• The meeting with the Union Health Minister emphasized the COVID-19 vaccination process. According to Tope, the state wants to give the second dose of vaccine to at least 20 to 22 lakh citizens. In such a situation, the central government needs to understand the fact that the state needs as many doses for which proper planning must be ensured.
• Currently, citizens above the age of 45 are getting vaccinated through the National Immunization Program. It is expected to supply vaccines as per the requirements of the state. For this, the Central Government should immediately provide 20 lakh doses.
• Moreover, the states will benefit if a policy is formulated at the national level to import vaccines. Global tenders are currently being drawn up from other states. States are being offered different rates by foreign vaccine manufacturers. Therefore, without competition among the states, the central government should formulate a national policy, demanded Rajesh Tope.
• In Maharashtra, there are about 1,500 cases of black fungus and it is gradually increasing. In addition, patients suffering from the coronavirus are also experiencing an early onset of diabetes. The cost of injections for the treatment is high and the printed MRP on this drug should be reduced to prevent it from being sold on the black market. The quota for this drug should also be increased for Maharashtra.

Mucormycosis or black fungus is a rare disease that mostly affects individuals with a weakened immune system or those who have existing health conditions. A group of moulds/fungus cause this infection. This fungus is commonly found in the environment. The infection impacts the skin and can also affect the lungs as well as the brain.