Free COVID-19 vaccination in Maharashtra for those aged between 18 and 44 years: CMO

Picture used for representational purpose. Pic:iStock

A state cabinet meeting chaired by Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Wednesday decided to provide free COVID-19 vaccination to all the citizens of Maharashtra aged between 18 and 44 years, stated a tweet by CMO Maharashtra.

Aaditya Thackeray also posted on the micro-blogging website making the announcement.

A tweet posted by PIB in Maharashtra showed the distribution of vaccines across states, including Maharashtra, with reported wastage of vials and the balance remaining with states and union territories.

Earlier, Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar had said the CM will soon make a decision over whether the state government will conduct the administration of vaccine free of cost to all residents above the age of 18 years.

On Sunday, Maharashtra minority minister and Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Nawab Malik made the announcement of vaccinating all beneficiaries above the age of 18. He had said that the idea was discussed in the state cabinet. He added that global tenders will also be invited for the vaccination process.

The Centre on April 19 had announced a ''liberalised'' policy, making all above 18 years of age eligible to get vaccinated from May 1. It has also allowed state governments and private hospitals to purchase vaccines from manufacturers.

As per the central government, manufacturers of Covid-19 vaccines will be free to supply 50 per cent doses to state governments and in the open market, for which they will have to make an advance declaration of the price before May 1.

(with agency inputs)