TN CM assures free Covid-19 vaccine for everyone

Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisami who is on an official visit to Pudukottai addressed the media. He affirmed that the Covid infection spread in the State has been brought under control and the authorities have been working all through the day to bring down the infection graph. He also said that the testing has been increased in Tamil Nadu.

"I would like to announce that as soon as the vaccine is developed (and made available to states) all people in Tamil Nadu will be immunised and the government shall bear the cost," he said here during an official visit.

EPS further said that while TN has been successful in handling the pandemic crisis, the number of new infections has been comparatively lesser than the neighbouring states in recent months. He then announced that the Government has taken all necessary steps to provide free COVID vaccination to everyone in the State, once the vaccine is found. EPS said that the government will bear the entire cost of vaccination.

The 'free vaccine' comes at a point when its alliance partner BJP has also promised free Covid vaccine in Bihar ahead of the state elections.  Now, as the politicos in the State are in full swing to face the upcoming elections in 2021, the AIADMK's Chief Ministerial candidate and the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E Palaniswami's announcement has raised the eyebrows of many.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said two firms - the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech -- are expected to begin late-stage clinical trials of their vaccines after they receive approval.  Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also asked officials to be ready with a plan of action for when the vaccine is out and to test out the logistics, including cold storage, monitoring of clinics, and keep the supply of ancillary equipment, like syringes, ready.

(With inputs from PTI)