Prakash Javadekar criticizes Maharashtra Government's efforts on COVID-19 vaccination drive

Coronavirus cases are increasing rapidly across the state of Maharashtra and the government is taking strict measures to control the spread. On the other hand, coronavirus vaccine has been introduced across the country and the respective state governments are conducting the vaccination drive to facilitate the same.

As per records, the Central Government has so far given 54 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccine to Maharashtra. But in reality, only 23 lakh doses were used till March 12, 2021, said Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar. 

Besides that, Javadekar has also raised concerns about state government's administration. On the same lines, Shiv Sena MPs have demanded that Maharashtra get more doses of coronavirus vaccine from the Centre, however, out of 54 lakh COVID-19 vaccines sent by the Center, only 23 lakh vaccines have been used so far which means that 56% of people are left without vaccines. 

Adding more, Javadekar has criticized the zeal shown by the government in coping with the coronavirus crisis and the administrative confusion in the planning the vaccination drive. Meanwhile, state health minister Rajesh Tope, who is on a visit to Delhi  on Wednesday, March 17, 2021, met Union health minister  Dr. Harshvardhan thereby demanding more coronavirus vaccines. 

The Coronavirus Prevention Vaccination Campaign is being implemented on a large scale and successfully in the state. Under this drive, health workers, essential service providers as well as all those above 60 years of age and 45 years of age (with certain conditions) are being vaccinated.

As of now, the state has observed a rise in cases and keeping the same in mind, the government is taking efforts to accelerate vaccination in Maharashtra. Officials aim to vaccinate 1.77 crore people with the first dose by May 2021 and the second by June 2021, for which, a total of 2.20 crore covishield and covaxin vaccines are required. Understanding the same, Health Minister Rajesh Tope has requested the Union Health Minister to supply 20 lakh vaccines every week.