Punjab CM: Centre’s vaccine policy for above 18 unfair to states

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, April 23

Terming the new vaccination policy for those above 18 years unfair to states, Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Friday sought Centre-state parity in vaccination for the age group from May 1, while calling for urgent steps to ensure adequate oxygen supply.

In a virtual conference of the Prime Minister to discuss the Covid situation with CMs of worst-affected states, he said the Centre must ensure that all commitments as per allocation were complied with by liquid oxygen manufacturers in other states. Punjab’s supplies come from Haryana, HP and Uttarakhand and there were reports of supplies being “hijacked”, he said.

Record 6,762 cases, 76 deaths in 24 hrs

The state saw record 6,762 cases and 76 deaths in the past 24 hours. The highest number of cases was reported in Ludhiana, while the maximum number of deaths was reported in Amritsar and Ludhiana (8 each)

He saught funding of the vaccination by the Central government. “While Punjab received fresh supplies yesterday, the current stocks can last only three days as demand for vaccine is increasing,” he said.

The Chief Minister also pointed to the shortage and black marketing of medicines like Remdesivir and Toci, which he said was creating great panic in the media and general public.

Recruit 400 nurses, 140 technicians at GMCs

CM Capt Amarinder Singh on Friday ordered immediate recruitment of 400 nurses and 140 technicians to GMCs while directing the department to expedite medical college projects approved/in progress in the state. The CM said he would be writing soon to the PM seeking direction to PGI satellite centres and military hospitals in Punjab to provide Covid beds to citizens