COVID-19: Govt Has Set Aside $7 Billion For Vaccination Of Entire Population: Report

New Delhi: Will every Indian get the COVID-19 vaccine free once it’s developed and cleared for use?

According to a Bloomberg report, the Centre has allocated Rs 500 billion ($ 7 billion) to vaccinate the country’s 1.3 billion people against coronavirus, on Thursday.

The Modi government has estimated the cost of vaccine to be $6-$7 per person. The amount provisioned as of now is for the current financial year, ending March 31, but sources told Bloomberg there will be no shortage of more funds for this purpose.

The estimate is two injections per person at $2 a shot, while $2-$3 per individual is set aside for infrastructure costs such as storage and transport.

This report comes amidst BJP’s manifesto in Bihar where it has promised free coronavirus vaccine for all. The poll promise has been slammed by opposition leaders, who are alleging it is an “appalling” attempt to politicize vaccines.