Only 3.17 % of India's population has received both doses, says the party
STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: The APCC (Assam Pradesh Congress Committee) has appealed to the President to direct the Modi government to inoculate one crore people in a day and also ensure free vaccination for every citizen of India.
In this regard, the APCC submitted a memorandum to the President through the Assam Governor here on Friday and underlined that the entire adult population of the country should be vaccinated before December 31 to tackle the third wave of COVID-19. The memorandum stated that the Modi government has completely abdicated its duty of fighting the COVID pandemic and abandoned the people, leaving them to fend for themselves.
"The need of the hour is that the Union BJP Government should procure the vaccine and supply for free to the States and private hospitals for vaccination the people of India. Anything less is a huge disservice to India and its people. Also, we need to vaccinate our entire adult population of above 18 years on or before December 31, 2021. This is the only way to save our people. For this, the only solution is to vaccinate at least one crore people a day and not the current average of 16 lakh people a day," stated the APCC in the memorandum.
The APCC underlined that as per the Government of India, it has administered 21.31 crore vaccine doses till May 31. But, only 4.45 crore Indians have received both doses of vaccine, which is only 3.17% of India's population, the party pointed out.
"In last 134 days, the average pace of vaccination is about 16 lakh vaccine doses per day. At this pace, it will take over three years for us to vaccinate our adult population. If this is the case, how will we save our fellow citizens from the third wave of the corona is the question that the Modi government needs to answer?" the memorandum stated.
Further, the APCC said that the multiple pricing slab for the vaccine fixed by the Modi government is another instance of profiteering from people's misery.
"Serum Institute's Covishield single dose costs Rs 150 to the Centre, Rs 300 to State governments and Rs 600 to private hospitals. Bharat Biotech's Covaxin single dose costs Rs 150 to the Centre, Rs 600 to State Governments and Rs 1,200 to private hospitals. The private hospitals are even charging up to Rs 1,500 for a single dose. The full cost of two doses should be accordingly calculated. The Modi government's sponsored three price slabs for the same vaccine are a recipe for profiteering out of people's misery," the APCC stressed.
The memorandum was submitted by Assam Congress Legislative Party (ACLP) leader Debabrata Saikia, ACLP deputy leader Rakibul Hussain, APCC vice president Dwijen Sarma, and APCC executive member Hiranya Bora..
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