Maharashtra to float global tender for COVID vaccines: Ajit Pawar
The Maharashtra authorities will float a global tender for COVID-19 vaccines and Remdesivir injections, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar mentioned on Saturday.
As the Union authorities has allowed vaccination of individuals within the age group of 18 to 45, the state will begin inoculation drive for this class from May 1, he mentioned.
Pawar, who additionally handles the finance portfolio, was talking to reporters after holding a overview assembly on the COVID-19 state of affairs in Pune.
“We have decided to float a global tender for vaccines and Remdesivir (used for the treatment of COVID-19) through a committee headed by chief secretary Sitaram Kunte,” he mentioned.
Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has mentioned vaccine availability with Adar Poonawalla, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, the maker of the Covishield vaccine, Pawar mentioned.
Poonawalla expressed incapability to meet the state’s full requirement, he claimed.
“He told us he will give us vaccine doses as per his capacity and asked us to procure remaining doses from other companies,” mentioned Pawar.
“We will ensure that the state gets vaccines from foreign manufacturers in coordination with the Union government,” he mentioned.
On the medical oxygen disaster, Pawar mentioned the state authorities was making each effort to tackle the problem.
The state used to get 240-250 metric tons of liquid medical oxygen from Jamnagar, he mentioned, including, “We have received information that the quota for Maharashtra has been now brought down to 125 metric tons.”
“The Centre has taken control of oxygen supply to various states. We have requested it to at least maintain the earlier quota of 250 metric tons,” Pawar mentioned.
Non-functional oxygen vegetation within the state will probably be restarted to enhance the provision, he mentioned.
On Remdesivir shortages, he mentioned Maharashtra used to get 36,000 vials per day earlier, however with its provide coming beneath central management, the every day provide has come down to 25,000 vials per day.
On demand for free vaccines, he mentioned the chief minister will clarify the federal government’s stand on May 1.
“Like the `Give up LPG subsidy campaign’, we can also appeal to those who can afford to pay for the vaccine,” Pawar mentioned.
