Bhubaneswar, June 2: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday wrote to all Chief Ministers for a consensus on centralised procurement of COVID-19 vaccines by Government of India in view of the challenges faced by States.
He also spoke to some Chief Ministers who shared his views. “No State is safe unless all States adopt vaccination as a top priority and execute it on war-footing,” wrote Patnaik.
“We can’t be competing with each other in getting vaccines. Hence, united efforts required for vaccine procurement. States should have the flexibility to implement the vaccination programme based on local circumstances,” said Patnaik.
Maintaining that this is the greatest challenge we have faced together as a nation since Independence, Patnaik said, “We will set aside whatever differences we have and come together in true spirit of Cooperative Federalism for saving precious lives and hard earned livelihoods. We as a ‘team’ owe it to our Citizens.”
“After the Union Government announced the phase-3 of the vaccine policy and allowed for above 18 years and opened procurement to State Governments and private sector, there has been great demand for vaccination from the citizens. Many States have floated global tenders for vaccine procurement. However, it is quite clear that the global vaccine manufacturers are looking forward to the Union Government for the clearance and assurances,” wrote Chief Minister Patnaik.
Patnaik further said, “They are unwilling to get into supply contracts with the State Governments. While the domestic vaccine manufacturers are having supply constraints and are not able to commit required supplies.”
“Under the above circumstance, the best option available is for the Government of India to centrally procure the vaccines and distribute it among the States so that our citizens are vaccinated at the earliest,” said Patnaik.
“At the same time, execution of the vaccination programme has to be decentralised and States allowed the flexibility to determine their own mechanisms to ensure universal vaccination. For example, many hilly areas cannot access the internet and therefore, online registration has to be flexible, some vulnerable tribes can be given priority by the State, etc,” said Patnaik.
“We have written to the Union Government in this regard. However, I would respectfully suggest that all the State Governments should come to a consensus on this issue for early resolution of this problem. We should act fast before any third wave comes and create further havoc,” Patnaik added.
