NEW DELHI: The Centre on Tuesday revealed why it has not opened the nationwide vaccination drive for people of all age groups despite a growing demand from several states.
During a media briefing, Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said the aim is not to inoculate all those who want to get vaccinated but only those who need it.
"Many people ask why shouldn't we open vaccination for all. There are two aims of such vaccination drives — to prevent deaths and protect healthcare system.
"The aim is not to administer the vaccine to those who want it but to those who need it," he said.
The Centre has currently allowed vaccines for only those who are aged 45 or above.
The response comes a day after Delhi chief minister
Arvind Kejriwal and Maharashtra chief minister Uddhav Thackeray urged the Centre to relax the age limit for the vaccination drive.
Meanwhile, India on Tuesday said it has administered vaccine shots to over 43 lakh people in the last 24 hours - the highest-single day coverage so far.
According to the Union health minister ministry, the cumulative vaccination coverage has exceeded 8.31 crore.
"The first dose vaccinations have also exceeded the landmark figure of 7 crore (7,22,77,309) doses," the ministry said.