New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday emphasized the need for both safety and speed in vaccine distribution, saying “whichever vaccine India gives its citizens will be safe on all scientific standards”.
The PM said this during an online meeting with the Chief Ministers of the eight worst-hit states to discuss the coronavirus situation and preparations for vaccine delivery. The CMs of Maharashtra, Kerala, Delhi, Bengal, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh attended the meeting, NDTV reported.
“Our priority is to make vaccine available for all. States should put in the necessary mechanism including cold storage,” the PM said.
He further said that the vaccine distribution strategy will be chalked out in collective coordination with the states, which must also start working on cold storage facilities.
“The PM made it clear that in the first stage, the vaccine will be given to the frontline health workers, to the police personnel, sanitation workers etc. in the second stage, to those above 50 years of age in third stage and to those with co-morbid conditions in the fourth stage,” Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani said.