Government Spends Rs 36,397 Crore on Covid Vaccine Procurement

Government's Investment in Covid-19 Vaccines

The Indian government has made a significant financial commitment towards combating the Covid-19 pandemic. Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav reported that Rs 36,397.65 crore has been spent on procuring Covid vaccines, which have been distributed free of charge to states and Union Territories as part of the National Covid Vaccination Programme.

Vaccination Progress

As of July 29, 2024, India has administered a total of 220.68 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses nationwide. The distribution of vaccines to states and Union Territories was based on several factors, including the target population, vaccination progress, and vaccine wastage.

Vaccine Maitri Programme

India has significantly contributed to global vaccination efforts through its 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative. Under this initiative, a total of 3012.465 lakh doses of Covid-19 vaccines have been sent to 99 countries and two UN organisations.

Support for Research and Development

The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) have supported research and development efforts for Covid-19 vaccines. An investment of Rs 533.3 crore has been made to assist academia and industry in this endeavor. Additionally, under the Mission COVID Suraksha, Rs 158.4 crore was provided to vaccine manufacturers to enhance production capacities.

Contribution of Indian Council of Medical Research

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has also contributed significantly to the development of Covid-19 vaccines, spending approximately Rs 60 crore on this effort.

Conclusion

The Indian government's substantial investment in the procurement and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines underscores its commitment to public health and global solidarity in the fight against the pandemic.