India launches free Covid-19 vaccine rollout for adults

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during a televised address to the nation that his government would purchase 75% of the vaccines manufactured locally and distribute them for free.

CAPE TOWN, June 22 (ANA) – India kicked off its centralised free vaccination programme on Monday, through which the government will provide free Covid-19 shots for citizens over the age of 18.

According to India TV News, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced during a televised address to the nation that his government would purchase 75% of the vaccines manufactured locally and distribute them for free.

India has been one of the hardest-hit nations by the pandemic and faced vaccine shortages during its deadly second wave in April and May.

“Whether it is the poor, the lower middle class, the middle class, or the upper-middle class, under the central government programme, everyone will get free vaccines,” said Modi, adding that private hospitals could continue to purchase the remaining 25% of available vaccines and administer the jabs to those willing to pay for them.

Chinese state-controlled broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV) reported that people had waited since the early hours of the morning in line outside a vaccination centre in Ranchi.

Meanwhile, as with many other countries, India also faces the challenge of getting many still-hesitant people to take the vaccine .

“This is the disease in which many people have lost their lives,” said young lawyer Ronuk Sahay after receiving her jab.

“So the government has taken an initiative to get people vaccinated and it’s free. It’s a golden opportunity for each one of us so that we get vaccinated.”

– African News Agency (ANA), Editing by Stella Mapenzauswa