The Centre has sought a clarification from the Punjab government following media reports alleging that it allegedly 'sold' Covid-19 vaccine to private hospitals and 'earned a profit'.
The Health Ministry said prima facie, it is in clear violation of the Liberalized Pricing and Accelerated National Covid-19 Vaccination Strategy.
According to this strategy, private sector hospitals are directly procuring Covid-l9 vaccines from the vaccine manufacturers.
Under flak from the opposition for 'diverting' Covid vaccines to private hospitals, the Punjab government on Friday asked them to return all stock meant for the 18-44 age group.
The dramatic turnabout came after opposition parties – Shiromani Akali Dal, Aam Aadmi Party and Bharatiya Janata Party –- slammed the Congress government for "selling" to private hospitals doses meant to be administered free.