1. A thread about states being given freedom to purchase 50% of the vaccines of their choice and the brouhaha around differential pricing for Central and State governments.
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There are 4 different issues enmeshed here:
1. Freedom for states to select & distribute vaccines of their choice
2. Differential pricing for Center & States
3. Demands by states for center to pay for their 50% share as well
4. Freedom for private hospitals to procure vaccines
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Firstly, on the choice to states:
Various states & opposition parties complained about total control of vaccine procurement & distribution by Modi led central govt.
Politically motivated accusations of partiality & preferential (non)allocations to states were made.
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There were also arguments about why should the "rich" be NOT allowed/made to pay for their vaccines.
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To address these demands, the Modi led Central govt provided freedom for states & private healthcare facilities in states to purchase 50% of the vaccine produced directly from manufacturers
And the freedom to decide user charges for such vaccines {free/at cost/more than cost}
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