The Government of Chhattisgarh has placed orders for free vaccination of people in the age group of 18 to 44 for covicin to Bharat Biotech and for coviciled vaccine to Serum Institute. These two companies have been given orders for a total of 75 lakh vaccines by the Health Department of the state government. Chhattisgarh has been paid Rs 6 crore 30 lakh to Bharat Biotech for the 1.5 lakh cocaine it has received so far. Similarly, an advance payment of Rs. 9 crore 35 lakh 89 thousand 650 has been made to the Serum Institute for 2.9 lakh unused kovshield doses. As on May 5, 2021, 42,903 people aged 18 to 44 have been vaccinated in 28 districts of the state. According to information received from the Department of Health, Bharat Biotech was ordered through mail on 26 April. Krishna Illa, CEO of Bharat Biotech, was requested in connection with the order. The Serum Institute was also ordered via mail on 26 April.
The government says that Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawala was requested in connection with the vaccine order. The Government of India has granted permission to purchase vaccine doses from the State Fund for the age group of 18 to 44 years and to immunize the citizens of this age group. On this basis, Chhattisgarh State Government sent a demand for 75 lakh vaccine doses to both the vaccine producers. It is important to note that it has been decided by the Government of Chhattisgarh that all the citizens of the state will be vaccinated free of cost.