Bengaluru: The Karnataka government had deferred the roll-out of the Covid-19 inoculation drive for those in the 18-44 years age group from Saturday. Following this statement, Minister said that the state government which is committed to ensure that all above 18 years get vaccinated and it has released Rs 400 crore to purchase one crore dosage of vaccine from Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) which is licensed to manufacture Covishield.
Expressing displeasure in an oblique manner, Sudhakar alleged that the SII had failed to supply required quantity despite Karnataka placing its orders in-time due to which the inoculation drive will not be launched as per schedule on May 1.
Sudhakar maintained that the government will intimate the eligible people after the SII confirms the arrival of vaccines.
The Minister stated that the SII has the capability to produce five to six crore doses a month while the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech that produces Covaxin is capable of producing one to 1.5 crore doses.
While Russia’s Sputnik has given license to pharma major Dr Reddy’s Laboratory to produce the vaccine but they have not informed the government officially when they will be able to supply it.
According to official data released by the Karnataka health department stated that cumulatively 93,63,124 beneficiaries including health workers and frontline warriors have received the jab till Thursday across the southern state.
Karnataka’s population is estimated to be more than 6.5 crore as of now.
