After Monday's Record, Big Dip In Vaccination Figures Raises Questions

There were allegations that some states had hoarded COVID-19 vaccine doses for days to achieve 'Magic Monday'.

Vaccination figures across the country dropped to a low of 53.86 lakh by midnight on Tuesday after Monday's record 88 lakh, throwing up questions on whether such large scale vaccination is sustainable. The trouble spot appeared to be supply and there were allegations that some states, including Madhya Pradesh, had hoarded vaccine doses for days to achieve 'Magic Monday'. Of the top 10 states which administered the most doses, seven happen to have BJP governments. To meet the centre's target of fully vaccinating all adults by the end of this year, 97 lakh vaccinations need to be carried out per day. The current supply situation raises questions on whether the target will be met. The government claims it has the capacity to store and administer the daily required number of vaccines. Dr NK Arora, Chairman of NTAGI (National Advisory Group on Immunisation), said, "The government aims to vaccinate 1 crore people each day. And we have the capacity of stocking 1.25 crore doses each day".