Hyderabad: Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao announced on Saturday that all the people in the State, irrespective of age, will be administered Covid-19 vaccine free of cost. This would cost the State government about Rs 2,500 crore.
“Nothing is more important than the precious lives of the people. Free vaccines will be administered to every person in the State,” the Chief Minister said.
Chandrashekhar Rao has already issued instructions to Chief Secretary Somesh Kumar and the Health Department in this regard.
The population of the State, including natives of Telangana and those who are working in different sectors and made the State their home, is about 4.5 crore. Of these, 35 lakh people have already been administered with the vaccine, he said, adding that the remaining people, irrespective of their age, will be administered the vaccine free of cost.
Directions have been issued to the officials to initiate measures for administering vaccine to each and every person in the State, he said.
Bharat Biotech is already manufacturing Covid vaccine. In addition to this, Reddy Labs and some other companies too have come forward to manufacture the vaccine, the Chief Minister, said adding: “There will be no inconvenience regarding vaccination.”
“In a couple of days, I will be undergoing some medical tests and as soon as I recover, I will convene a high level meeting with authorities concerned and personally monitor the vaccination programme,” the Chief Minister said.
To ensure that the vaccination programme is taken up effectively, district-wise incharges will be appointed, he said.
In addition to the vaccination programme, all measures will be taken to ensure there is no shortage of oxygen, Remedisiver and other medicines used for Covid-19 treatment, he informed.
“There is no need to panic. The government is taking all measures to ensure that people do not fall sick due to Coronavirus. Availability of beds and medicines to all those who test positive for Covid are also being taken care of,” the Chief Minister said.
Stating that extensive sanitation measures including spraying of disinfectants had been taken up on a large scale, he said there was no need to panic but people have to be extremely cautious.
“Avoid gathering and do not participate in congregations or processions. Step out only if it is extremely important and maintain self-discipline,” the Chief Minister advised. The government, he said, was taking all steps to contain the spread of the virus and according top priority to people’s welfare.