'Reports of inequities baseless': Centre defends vaccine policy

The government on Saturday defended its liberalised vaccine policy and said the media reports suggesting inequities in distribution of doses were "inaccurate and speculative in nature". Union Health Minister Harsh Varshad also tweeted that the reports of inequities in distribution were "baseless".

Under the liberalised policy, the Centre is getting 50 per cent of the vaccines supplied, while the private sector and states are buying the remaining jabs directly from Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute.

The Centre in a statement said that the vaccine policy that came into effect from May 1 facilitates ‘better access and reduces the operational stress on Government Vaccination facilities’. Those who can afford to pay and prefer to go to a private hospital can do so, easing the burden of government facilities