LUCKNOW: The UP government on Tuesday announced free vaccination for all its citizens above the age of 18 years, a day after the Centre opened the immunisation programme to all adults to counter the pandemic surge.
The decision was taken at a meeting with ministers and senior officials.
Currently, vaccination at government facilities for those above the age of 45 years is free. At private facilities, one is required to pay Rs 250 per shot for any of the two vaccines — Covishield and Covaxin. However, the government has not clarified whether its decision would be applicable to private facilities as well.
During the meeting, the CM directed the health department to chalk out a plan for implementation of the vaccination rollout. This would include raising vaccination centres and preparing a database for target age-groups. The department would also have to assess the requirement for vaccines based on number of beneficiaries and plan for procurement. Cold chain and safe-storage facilities will also have to be arranged.
The CM said, ministers in charge of various districts should carry out regular reviews of bed availability and ensure their numbers are doubled. They should also ensure availability of sufficient oxygen, Remdesivir and other essential medicines. The ministers have also been asked to coordinate with local administration to ensure people are wearing masks and quarantine centres are operational, ambulances are available and integrated command and control centres are operational.