Complaints of overcharging by some hospitals emerge

A few private hospitals have already started vaccinating people in the 18-44 age group

Karnataka was among the first States to announce free vaccination for citizens in the age group of 18 to 44 at government centres. But with its start getting delayed, some private hospitals went ahead and started inoculating those in this age group. However, a few days down the line, allegations are emerging of some of them charging above the price fixed by the government. Sources in the office of Health and Medical Education Minister K. Sudhakar confirmed that the price fixed for private hospitals was ₹600 plus service charge of ₹100 for Covishield, and ₹1,200 plus service charge of ₹100 for Covaxin. However, when contacted, the administration of one of the hospitals said they were charging ₹1,350 for Covaxin. The official did not comment further. Those who got the jab or are planning to were irked by the prices being quoted. Giridhur Sriraman, 26, who got vaccinated a few days ago, said, “I paid ₹1,350 for Covaxin. I think it is steep. I was lucky to be able to afford it,” he said.