Rajya Sabha member, P. Chidambram took to Twitter to express his scepticism regarding the government’s decision to vaccinate all above the age of 18 years.
Chidambram tweeted that, “We welcomed the decision to vaccinate all above the age of 18 years. However, we have to caution the government that this decision brings with it huge responsibilities.”
Given the widespread complaints about the lack of supply of vaccines, he says that the availability of vaccines is the first and foremost requirement. He rendered government’s claim regarding no shortage of vaccines as hollow.
He raised concern regarding the adequacy of stocks of vaccines all over the country when more people will flock to hospitals for vaccination on May 1 and there will be a surge in the demand of the vaccine. “If people are turned away at hospitals, there will be great resentment and protests,” he added. He raised questions whether the government is prepared for May 1 or not, saying that the time to plan for May 1 started many weeks ago.
“I am sceptical. Nevertheless, I urge the government to start preparing NOW in order to meet the much greater demand for vaccines on and after May 1,” he concluded.