Punjab CM seeks Centre's directive to ESIC for free vaccine to 18 to 45-year-old registered beneficiaries
Amid the raging second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Thursday sought directives from the Centre for the free COVID-19 vaccine from the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) for all its registered beneficiaries in the age group of 18-45 years.
In a letter to Union Labour Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Captain Amarinder Singh said such an initiative would be a progressive step towards covering the industrial working class of the country, as part of the Government of India’s aim of vaccinating the adult population against Covid-19.
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Given that the Government of India, as well as State Governments, were currently engaged in taking all possible steps to combat the prevailing grave situation, the Chief Minister said he was confident that his suggestion would be considered favourably in the larger public interest.
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Citing medical experts, the Chief Minister stressed that vaccination can go a long way in arresting the transmission of the virus and providing protection to the vaccinated persons.
He pointed out that as per GoI’s decision, while the Centre would provide vaccine to all persons in the age group of above 45 years, provision of COVID-19 vaccine for those in the age group of 18-45 years would have to be made by State Governments and private agencies.
Meanwhile, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu on Thursday said that the state may not kick off the next phase of COVID-19 vaccination due to a shortage of COVID-19 vaccines.
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