Kerala set to provide free vaccine to all; UK, US promise to aid India to battle Coronavirus

However, those between 18 and 45 will have to pay the price of the vaccine and service charge if they visit a Kerala private hospital
Kerala set to provide free vaccine to all; UK, US promise to aid India to battle Coronavirus

In the wake of concerns raised by the central government’s policy that people between the ages of 18 and 45 should be vaccinated at private centres, the Kerala government has stated that it will continue to provide free vaccine to the people of its State. According to Health Secretary Rajan N Khobragade, the State government will be purchasing the vaccines directly from the manufacturers and that those 18 and above will be given free vaccination shots.

Registration for the vaccinations will start on April 28. There will be no spot registration. However, those between 18 and 45 will have to pay the price of the vaccine and service charge if they visit a private hospital. The vaccine will be free at government centres for those aged 18 and above.

Meanwhile with a record single day rise of 3,49,691 new Coronavirus infections, India’s total tally of Covid-19 cases has climbed to 1,69,60,172. Due to the high number of Covid 19 cases and deaths and with reports of shortage of oxygen coming in, the UK government announced that it will be sending in more than 600 pieces of vital medical equipment to India in its support to fight the Coronavirus. The assistance package, which is funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, includes ventilators and oxygen concentrators.

The first shipment of equipment is set to arrive in India on Tuesday. US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have also assured India of its assistance, including urgently sending necessary medical life saving supplies and equipment. “Just as India sent assistance to the United States as our hospitals were strained early in the pandemic, we are determined to help India in its time of need,” Biden said in a tweet.

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