16 lakh doses needed for 18-44 age group in Nagaland: CM Rio

April 30, 2021 63 Views No Comment

Writes to CII for assistance; ‘openly begging’, says State Congress

Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 30

With an estimated population of 8 lakh in the 18-44 age group, Nagaland will be needing 16 lakh doses of vaccine at cost of Rs 64 crore, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio informed today.

Rio stated this in a letter to the President of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on April 28 seeking its member companies to contribute to Nagaland’s endeavour to procure COVID-19 vaccines.

The ‘opposition’ Congress in Nagaland, however, has accused the CM of ‘openly begging’ for vaccine procurement.

The vaccination under the ‘Liberalised and Accelerated Phase-3 Strategy of COVID-19 Vaccination’ for 18-44 years age group starts on May 1 and the State Government has to buy the vaccines directly from the manufacturer to undertake the drive.

The total cost for the Covidshield vaccine at Rs 64 crore would be a burden on the “already stretched State finances of our small state,” underscored CM Rio’s letter addressed to CII President, Uday Kodak.

“As the State does not have any large company registered within its jurisdiction, I am approaching you to request your member companies to contribute generously in Nagaland’s endeavour to procure vaccines, provide these free to the residents of the state,” said that letter shared by Rio on his official Twitter handle Thursday evening.

“Therefore stand together in this fight against COVID with the people of Nagaland,” he urged.

“The companies may contribute directly to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, or in any other manner convenient to the companies for the purpose,” he added.

The CM’s estimated cost of Rs 64 crore for 16 lakh doses, however, appeared to be based on initial price of the Covidshield vaccine announced by the manufacturer Serum Institute of India (SII).

After a string of criticism, CEO Adar Poonawalla tweeted on April 28 that as a “philanthropic gesture,” SII has slashed the Covishield cost to State Governments from Rs 400 to Rs 300.

With this, the cost to Nagaland Government for purchase of 16 lakh doses will be Rs 48 crore.

Meanwhile, the CM’s requisition to CII did not go down well with the State Congress who termed it as unfortunate.

“After proudly announcing free vaccination to all 18 years & above citizens two days ago, CM now openly begging for contributions,” tweeted the official account of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) after the CM’s update on the same platform.

“Spending Rs 119.87Cr for his official residence but can’t spend Rs 64 Cr to provide free vaccination to the people of Nagaland,” it said, calling it, “Very unfortunate.”

The CII was yet to respond to the CM’s request till the filing of this report.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/16-lakh-doses-needed-for-18-44-age-group-in-nagaland-cm-rio