India's Vaccination Drive: Government Spends Over Rs 36,000 Crore

The Indian government has spent Rs 36,397.65 crore on procuring Covid vaccines for free distribution under the National Covid Vaccination Programme. As of July 29, 2024, 220.68 crore vaccine doses have been administered. Additionally, India has sent over 300 million doses to 99 countries under 'Vaccine Maitri'.

The government of India has spent a substantial Rs 36,397.65 crore to procure Covid vaccines for free supply across states and Union Territories under the National Covid Vaccination Programme, as disclosed by Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav in the Lok Sabha on Friday.

As of July 29, 2024, the nation has administered a remarkable 220.68 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses, according to a written reply by Jadhav. The allocation of these vaccines to states and UTs depends on the population targets, vaccination progress, and wastage rates.

In addition to domestic distribution, India has sent a total of 3012.465 lakh vaccine doses to 99 countries and two UN organizations under the 'Vaccine Maitri' initiative. The Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council have invested Rs 533.3 crore towards research and development, while Mission COVID Suraksha allocated Rs 158.4 crore to enhance vaccine manufacturing. The Indian Council of Medical Research invested approximately Rs 60 crore in vaccine development.