Thread by @ramakumarr

1/ A little thread on the new evidence emerging on how and why the 75:25 ratio of allocation of vaccine doses across the union government and private hospitals may actually be slowing down overall vaccination rates in India. #VaccineForAll

2/ Given the high prices for vaccines in private hospitals, the allocation of 25 per cent of doses to private hospitals is essentially a reservation for the rich. It weakens the goal of equality and allows for discrimination to persist in the vaccine policy.

3/ In addition, GoI has now admitted that vaccination rates are slowed down due to the 25 per cent allocation.

An official press release, dated 14 July 2021, admits to four problems with Private Covid Vaccination Centres (PCVC), which includes private hospitals.

4/ First, many PCVCs were not placing indents for the full quantity of doses earmarked for them. Secondly, even when indents were made, the required payments were not made by PCVCs. Thirdly, even when payments were made, the dispatched doses were not lifted by PCVCs.

5/ Finally, even when doses were lifted, actual administration of doses by PCVCs fell short. See pib.gov.in/PressReleasePa….

In sum, the allocation of doses for private hospitals is significantly under-utilised. Poor demand at higher prices appears to be the proximate cause.

6/ If 100 per cent of the doses are procured by GoI and supplied to all for free, this 25 per cent quantity too can be administered more efficiently and equitably, and without discrimination.

7/ This is why the GoI should immediately end the 25 per cent allocation for private hospitals. There should be a unified procurement of all vaccine doses and free and universal vaccination for every Indian.

End.

@threadreaderapp please unroll