Union Minister Harsh Vardhan said it is difficult to announce any fixed date (File)
New Delhi:
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday said that the third phase of COVID-19 vaccination, in which people above 50 years of age will be vaccinated, is expected to start next month.
Harsh Vardhan told the Lok Sabha that Rs 35,000 crore has been provided for COVID-19 vaccines in the Union Budget 2021-22, and the Finance Minister has assured that allocation can increase if required.
He said COVID-19 vaccination drive was launched on January 16 to vaccinate one crore healthcare workers in the first phase and it is going on smoothly.
India had on January 16 launched the world's largest vaccination drive against the Covid-19 pandemic, which has claimed more than a million lives, sunk economies, shuttered businesses, and shattered daily life the world over.
Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan today said that the change in government in West Bengal is "inevitable" and the BJP's Rath Yatra in the state may strengthen the process.
Lok Sabha proceedings were a virtual washout on Friday as relentless protest by opposition members against the Centre s three farm laws continued for another day.
Lok Sabha was adjourned first till 6 pm after opposition members disrupted the proceedings demanding repeal of the laws and shouted slogans from the Well of the House. As soon as the House convened at 4 PM, members from the Congress, Left parties and the DMK rushed to the Well raising slogans against the new laws and holding placards. Speaker Om Birla continued with the Question Hour with Health Minister Harsh Vardhan responding to supplementary questions on COVID-19 vaccination.
»Third Phase of Covid-19 Vaccination Drive to Begin in March; Will Cover People Above 50, Those with Co-morbidities: Govt
1-MIN READ
Third Phase of Covid-19 Vaccination Drive to Begin in March; Will Cover People Above 50, Those with Co-morbidities: Govt
Representative image (PTI)
The vaccination drive began on January 16, starting with healthcare workers and then the frontline workers, both estimated to be around three crore.
FOLLOW US ON:
The third phase of vaccination against the coronavirus is likely to commence in March and will cover 27 crore people aged 50 years and above and those with co-morbidities, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said in Lok Sabha on Friday. Replying to questions on vaccines and the vaccination drive against the coronavirus during the Question Hour, Vardhan said nearly five million people have been inoculated in the country so far.