Congress demands for fixing vaccine rates in private centers in Uttarakhand

There is a huge difference in the prices of corona vaccine in private hospitals. In some states where the Covidshield vaccine is being given for a maximum of Rs 900. At the same time, many private hospitals in the state are charging up to Rs 1100.

Talking about Uttarakhand, the corona vaccine seems expensive at private vaccination centers here compared to many states. The vaccine is cheaper in Himachal, a neighboring state with similar geographical conditions. The Himachal government has also fixed the rates of vaccines whereas, in Uttarakhand the rates are not fixed.

In such a situation, private hospitals are charging their own fees. People in the age group of 18 to 44 are being vaccinated at five private vaccination centers in Dehradun. Talking about the rates, Rs 1100 is being charged per dose of Covishield vaccine at a centre. The rest of the centers are charging Rs 900 per dose.

In the neighboring state of Himachal, the government has fixed the per dose price of Covishield at Rs 850. 650 to 900 per dose is being charged at private centers in Delhi and Haryana. In most states, a maximum of Rs 900 is being charged.

Kamlesh Khantwal, who is associated with the public health campaign, says that first, the state government should provide free vaccination to every person. If it is not able to do so, then at least they should be controlled by setting private rates.

Private hospitals argument

Private hospitals argue that the cost of vaccination, charges for transport, salary of employees, stalls, ILR, deep freeze etc. are being spent more. Due to this the charge of vaccination has been increased.

Initially, the central government had bought the vaccine at Rs 150 per dose. It was given to government and private hospitals. Private hospitals were allowed to charge Rs 100 for vaccination. In such a situation, in the first phase, the vaccine was given for Rs 250. Then the private hospitals had agreed that Rs 100 would cover the cost of the vaccine, but now the same private hospitals are charging Rs 250 to Rs 300 for the vaccine.

Expensive prices in these states: Rajasthan (670 to 1000), UP (850 to 1100), Uttarakhand (900 to 1100)

Cheap prices in these states: Delhi-Haryana (650 to 900), Madhya Pradesh (800 to 900), Gujarat-Himachal (850), Chandigarh (900), West Bengal (850 to 900)
(Note- Rate as per Cowin portal minimum and maximum in Rs.)

Uttarakhand Director General of Health Dr. Tripti Bahuguna said that if a private hospital does vaccination in its premises, it cannot charge more than Rs 900. If it does it by camping somewhere outside, then it will take user charge. The process of fixing the rate of Covid vaccine for private institutions in the state is going on. An order in this regards will be taken soon.

Government should take action on applying expensive vaccine: Congress

The Congress raised questions on the government over the lack of corona vaccine in government hospitals and the sale of the vaccine at expensive rates in private hospitals. On Saturday, State President Pritam Singh, former CM Congress National General Secretary Harish Rawat and Leader of Opposition Dr. Indira Hadyesh demanded action against those who used expensive vaccines. They aslo said that the government should get free vaccines for every person in the state as per its promise. Harish Rawat has also surrounded the government on the authenticity of corona testing.