Indian states allowed to purchase COVID-19 vaccines directly from manufacturers

The Indian government has given states the freedom to purchase COVID-19 vaccines directly, according to a recent announcement. This decision allows states to procure vaccines directly from manufacturers in an effort to expedite the vaccination process. In the past 24 hours, 12,591 new cases and 29 deaths have been reported in the country, with active cases surpassing 65,000.

This move marks a significant shift in the central government's vaccination policy, which previously controlled the procurement and distribution of vaccines. The decision was made during a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The government hopes that this new policy will speed up the vaccination drive and increase the pace of inoculation across the country.

The latest figures from the Health Ministry reveal that the total number of COVID-19 cases in India has reached 1.33 crore, with 1.2 crore recoveries and 1.69 lakh deaths. The country is currently facing a surge in cases in some regions, with several states imposing strict restrictions to curb the spread of the virus.

The government has urged citizens to follow COVID-19 protocols, including wearing masks and maintaining social distancing, to prevent the further spread of the virus.