Uddhav Thackeray seeks permission from PM Modi to procure vaccines from various manufacturers

NCP says vaccination program in Maharashtra has almost come to a standstill due to shortage of supplies

Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking permission to procure COVID-19 vaccines from other manufacturers to overcome the vaccine shortage faced by the State. “The state of Maharashtra is willing to procure the requisite stock of vaccines in a single procurement if possible, so as to safeguard our citizens and to give boost to India’s vaccination program. However, the producers do not have enough stocks. If the states are allowed to procure from other manufacturers as well, we would be able to cover a larger population in a shorter time and held reduce the impact of the possible third wave of covid,” said Mr Thackeray in his letter. He added that the ICMR may set the medical framework for the respective FDAs of each State, within which we may procure the various vaccines available to the world in this fight against COVID-19.