Govt’s Claim Of No Shortage Of Vaccines Is Hollow: Chidambaram

Mumbai: Congress leader P Chidambaram on Saturday said that the government’s claim that there is no shortage of COVID-19 vaccines is “hollow and untrue”.

Chidambaram welcomed the decision to vaccinate all above the age of 18 years from May 1.

“However, we have to caution the government that this decision brings with it huge responsibilities,” he tweeted.

The former minister said that the first and foremost requirement was the availability of vaccines, adding that there were widespread complaints about the lack of supply of jabs.

“The government’s claim that there is no shortage of vaccines is hollow and untrue,” he said.

“When surgeons are in demand on May 1 and more people come to hospitals for vaccination, will there be enough stock of vaccines across the country?” He asked. “If people are turned away at hospitals, there will be great resentment and protest.”

Chidambaram said that the planning time for May 1 had started several weeks earlier, wondering if the government was ready for it.

The Congress leader said, “I have my doubts. However, I urge the government to start preparations from May 1 and onwards to meet the high demand for vaccines.”

All adults will be eligible for coronavirus vaccination from May 1 after the government announced its liberalised vaccine policy. Currently, only people above 45 years of age are eligible to get the vaccine.

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