On the first day of free vaccination, 8.6 mn doses were distributed; PM Modi congratulated India.

India’s cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage was recorded at over 28.36 crore since January 16, according to the data from the CoWIN portal.

Over 85.15 lakh vaccine doses, the highest in a single day, were administered across the country on Monday as the revised guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination came into effect, the Union Health Ministry said. India’s cumulative COVID-19 vaccination coverage was recorded at over 28.36 crore since January 16, according to the data from the CoWIN portal.

Source: EY

Narendra Modi Said:

“Today’s record-breaking vaccination numbers are gladdening. The vaccine remains our strongest weapon to fight COVID-19. Congratulations to those who got vaccinated and kudos to all the front-line warriors working hard to ensure so many citizens got the vaccine. Well done India!

On April 1, a single-day record of over 48 lakh doses was set. So far in June, India has seen an average of over 31 lakh vaccinations per day. In the first week of May, when the country was at the height of the second wave, the average single-day vaccinations fell to around 16 lakh.

On Monday, the most vaccinations were administered in Madhya Pradesh, followed by Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh. Prime Minister Modi announced earlier in the day that the central government will begin the ‘Free Vaccination For All’ campaign for all Indians starting today. “The poor, middle class, and youth of India will be the biggest beneficiaries of this phase of India’s vaccination drive.”

Health Ministry Statement:

The present phase of vaccination was announced by the Prime Minister on June 7. “Today’s achievement showcases the trust placed by the people of India in the Government in its fight against the COVID-19 Pandemic,” the health ministry said in a statement.

“This advance information enabled the states to prepare vaccine distribution plans district-wise and COVID-19 Vaccination Centre (CVC) wise in an effective manner. This facilitated a massive ramping up of the vaccine administration across the country,” the ministry said.

States and UTs may decide their own prioritisation within the population group of citizens over 18 years old, taking into account the vaccine supply schedule, according to the health ministry’s revised guidelines. They said the states and UTs would pool private hospital demand while maintaining an equitable distribution of large and small private hospitals and regional balance.

“This would enable people to financially support vaccination of Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) at private vaccination centres,” the revised guidelines said. The COVID vaccination in the country commenced with the vaccination for all healthcare workers from January 16.

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