Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday in a televised address to the people of the State announced that nearly 2 crore people in the age group of 18 to 44 years would get free Covid-19 vaccine and the Government would bear a cost of Rs 2,000 crore for this universal vaccination programme.
Patnaik joined in the league of 10 other CMs, who have already declared free-of-cost vaccine for the 18+ age group. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced on April 19 that the third phase of vaccination would resume from May 1, which would include the 18+ age group. In earlier two phases, people of 60 years and above and 45 and above were covered for vaccination. Patnaik said, “We are passing through a very crucial period. Every life is important for me. We need to be extra cautious. This time is like war. Thousands of people are dying because of corona.
The situation in Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra is worrisome.”“Recently, I spoke to the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers of different States and Odisha extended a helping hand to the States which are running short of oxygen.
As of now, Odisha is supplying oxygen to six States,” he said. Patnaik added, “Our Government is making all arrangements like hospitals, beds, medicines, etc. I am appealing to you with folded hands to obey Covid rules and be cautious.”