Pvt hospitals can charge up to Rs 250 for Covid vaccination: Centre

New Delhi: Private hospitals in the country functioning as the Covid Vaccination Centres (CVCs) can charge up to Rs 250 per person per dose. During a video conferencing Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan told the Health Secretaries and MD of National Health Mission of States and Union Territories in this regard.

He further asked the States and UTs to ensure names and passwords should be provided to the private facilities to facilitate effective use of CoWIN 2.0 .

The discussion was held ahead of the inclusion of more age groups under the nationwide vaccination programme from March 1, 2021.

The nationwide vaccination drive was launched on January 16, 2021. From this date onwards, Health Care Workers (HCWs) were given the first dose of the COVID vaccine while Front Line Workers (FLWs) were included from February 2, 2021. So far, more than 1.5 core vaccinations have been done.

From March 1, 2021, the following age groups will also be included under the vaccination programme:

i) all citizens above 60 years of age, and
ii) those within the age bracket of 45 to 59 years with specified co-morbidities

Around 10,000 private hospitals empanelled under Ayushman Bharat PMJAY, more than 600 hospitals empanelled under CGHS and other private hospitals empanelled under State Govt’s Health Insurance Schemes can participate as COVID Vaccination Centers (CVCs).

A list of all these private hospitals has been uploaded on the website of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and National Health Authority. These can be accessed at:

a) https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/CGHSEmphospitals.xlsx

b) https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/PMJAYPRIVATEHOSPITALSCONSOLIDATED.xlsx

In addition, medical college hospitals, district hospitals, sub-divisional hospitals, CHCs, PHCs, Health Sub Centers and Health and Wellness Centers are functioning as the CVCs.

The Government COVID Vaccination Centers offer free vaccination for all with the Central Government bearing the full cost of the vaccination.