India is presently conducting the largest coronavirus vaccination drive in the world. From March 1, the country will start the second phase of the vaccination drive.
In the first phase, only the healthcare and frontline workers were vaccinated. In the second phase, those above 60 years of age and those over 45 years with existing illness that can result in co-morbidity if infected by Covid-19 will be given the vaccine. Private hospitals will also take part in the process.
Read: Here's how you can register for the Covid-19 vaccine
Government hospitals will administer the vaccine free of cost. Those taking the Covid-19 vaccine at any designated/empanelled private health facility will have to pay a pre-fixed charge, the Union Health Ministry said. But it is yet to be known how much will the private hospitals charge for the vaccination. It will be decided by the Health Ministry within the next three-four days as they are holding talks with manufacturers as well as hospitals.
According to Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel, the coronavirus vaccine will cost Rs 250 in the private hospitals that state.
Published 27 February 2021, 10:42 IST