Problem not of Covid-19 vaccine shortage but of planning, says Centre

Employees pack boxes containing vials of AstraZeneca's Covishield vaccine at the Serum Institute of India, in Pune. Credit: AP/PTI File Photo

Over 1.67 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses are still available with states and UTs, the Centre said on Tuesday, underlining that the problem is not of vaccine shortage but of better planning.

Addressing a press conference, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said so far states and UTs have received 13,10,90,370 vaccine doses, out of which the total consumption, including wastage, has been 11,43,69,677.

Read | India fast-tracks emergency approvals for foreign-produced Covid-19 vaccines

"As per 11 am data, unutilised doses available with states and union territories for administration is 1,67,20,693. From now till April end, 2,01,22,960 doses are in supply pipeline to states and UTs," he said.

Deccan Herald is on WhatsApp Channels| Join now for Breaking News & Editor's Picks