#BIGBREAKING: Odisha to give Covid Vaccine to people aged between 18 and 44 for free

Sambad English Bureau Published On : Apr 25, 2021 at 8:33 PM Updated On : Apr 25, 2021 at 9:05 PM

Bhubaneswar: The people of Odisha aged 18 years or above will be able to get Covid vaccines free of cost. This was announced by the State’s Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today evening.

During the third phase of Covid vaccination programme, the Government of India announced citizens of the country within the age bracket of 18-44 years will be vaccinated from May 1, 2021.

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The Chief Minister said the State government will spend Rs 2,000 crore from its exchequer to vaccinate people aged between 18-44 years.

“Around two crore people of the State in the 18-44 age group will be vaccinated and they will not have to spend a paisa. Vaccinating them is the responsibility of the State government,” Patnaik stated.

He further said the world has been experiencing a war-like situation and India has been recording the highest number of Covid cases in last few days.

In different states the situation has been deteriorating. There is shortage of oxygen and beds at hospitals. Even crematoriums are also lacking space to cremate bodies.

“I spoke to the Chief Ministers of other States and the Prime Minister and extended support. Currently Odisha is providing oxygen to six States,” the Chief Minister informed.

Last year Odisha fought the Covid pandemic. But, this year situation is very grim. The State government has been doing all possible to save each life, he stated.

“If we adhere to the Covid protocol and be careful, we can win the Covid battle without lockdown,” the Chief Minister while appealing people with folded hands to obey the Covid guidelines.