Odisha CM requests PM for 10-day Covid vaccine stock

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday requested the Centre that at least 10 days stock of the Covid-19 vaccines is ensured for Odisha.

Raising the issue during the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with the Chief Ministers, he said Odisha has not been able to ramp up the vaccination due to supply issues.

“We have not been able to ramp up the vaccination due to supply issues. We are currently able to vaccinate 2.5 lakh persons per day and have capability to increase further. We request that at least 10 days stock of the vaccines is ensured for Odisha,” he added.

He said Odisha has been doing well in vaccination programme with among the lowest wastage in the country and efficient system of administering the vaccine to eligible persons.

“During 2020-21, Odisha had requested for Rs 400 crores under Emergency Covid Response Plan (ECRP), but we received only Rs 146 crores. In view of the new wave of Covid, it is requested that at least Rs 300 crores be released to Odisha for 2021-22 for Covid Management,” said the Chief Minister.