The Government of the Union has indicated that these 20 million doses are sent to States based on the number of people in the age group between 18 and 44 to ensure a fair distribution of the doses, but some States have complained that their allocation is insufficient.
State governments across India are supposed to take 20 million doses to inoculate its population ages 18 to 44, based on a formula that is shared by Union governments with the Supreme Court and which states that their quota has been fixed even at doses that states need to directly procure from vaccine makers. A total of around 85 million vaccine doses are expected to be produced this month.
The Government of the Union has indicated that these 20 million doses are sent to States based on the number of people in the age group between 18 and 44 to ensure a fair distribution of the doses, but some States have complained that their allocation is insufficient.
“It is submitted that though the states are procuring vaccines from the manufacturers, the central government has, in consultation with the vaccine manufacturers, determined the pro-rata population of each state in the age group of 18-44 (years) and each state will procure only that quantity so that there is no disparity in availability of vaccines between the states inter-se, either based upon difference in their bargaining power or otherwise,” said the Centre’s response to the Supreme Court filed over the weekend.
The affidavit listed the allowance for the month of may, adding that this supply only concerns the dosage States directly. The Center distributes the doses it obtaines from vaccine makers using a separate formulation.
The vaccination drive for Indian coronavirus follows two directions: the Government of the Union provides free doses intended for those aged 45 years and older; then state governments and private hospitals acquire doses to meet their needs.
The government of the Union has made it mandatory for vaccine producers in India – both are currently widely used in India – to maintain 50% of their dose of central supplies, whereas the remainder will be evenly split between public and private prosecutors.
The only dose that is free for those under 45 years of age is 20 million doses allocated this month for direct acquisitions by government. The remaining 20 million are supposed to be shots paid for. The government’s Technical Population Projection Group states that India has about 595 million people between the ages of 18 and 44.
“In vaccinating the 18-44 category, the central government’s role is to ensure equitable vaccine distribution among states; it should not be the case that a bulk of doses reaches only a particular state, and another one that needs more is left waiting. Since all states need vaccines, we have to see to it that all states get it, and to ensure that the Centre regularly discusses with states and advises accordingly,” said Lav Agarwal, joint secretary, Union health ministry. Agarwal did not clarify how the pro-rata population estimate was calculated.
According to a government official familiar with the situation, population projections are likely to be based on data sets that include the National Commission on Population’s report on population projections.
