Union Health Minister on Thursday slammed irresponsible statements from political leaders regarding nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive. Dr Harsh Vardhan in a series of tweets wrote,"I'm seeing irresponsible statements from various leaders regarding largest vaccine drive."
He mentioned some facts asking people to judge intentions of these leaders:
- After GoI provided 75% of vaccines available for free, vaccination speed picked up & 11.50 cr doses were given in June
- States have already been informed in advance about COVID-19 Vaccine supplies for July.
- This info was shared with States 15 days prior, along with details about day wise supply
- Total of 12 crore doses shall be made available in July. Private hospital supply will be over & above this
- If there are issues in states, it shows that they need to better plan their vaccination drives. Intra-state planning & logistics are the responsibility of the states
- I request these leaders to desist from their shameless urge to play politics even in the midst of a pandemic
- If these leaders are aware of these facts and are still giving such statements, I consider it most unfortunate. If they don’t know, they need to focus on governance. Will again request state leaders to spend more energies in planning and not in creating panic,said the Union Health Minister.