New Delhi [India], July 7 (ANI): Over 10.77 crore balance and unutilized COVID-19 vaccine doses are still available with the States and UTs to be administered, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday.

More than 193.53 crore (1,93,53,58,865) vaccine doses have been provided to States and UTs so far through Govt. of India (free of cost channel) and through the direct state procurement category.

Also Read | Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Wishes Bhagwant Mann on His Marriage, Says His 'Younger Brother' Is Getting Married.

Over 10.77 crore (10,77,58,570) balance and unutilized COVID vaccine doses are still available with the States and UTs to be administered.

The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country.

Also Read | Indian Aviation Industry Faces Spree of Turbulence As Spicejet, Vistara and Indigo Report Incidents of Malfunction; Netizens Keep an Eye on Rakesh Jhunjhunwala's Akasa Air Launch.

The nationwide COVID 19 vaccination started on January 16, 2021.

The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced on June 21, 2021. The vaccination drive has been ramped up through the availability of more vaccines, advanced visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them and streamlining the vaccine supply chain.

As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, the Central government has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them with COVID vaccines free of cost.

In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, the Union Government will procure and supply (free of cost) 75 per cent of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.

Meanwhile, India logged 18,930 fresh infections in the last 24 hours, an increase of 2,771 infections than yesterday, informed the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Thursday. (ANI)

(The above story is verified and authored by ANI staff, ANI is South Asia's leading multimedia news agency with over 100 bureaus in India, South Asia and across the globe. ANI brings the latest news on Politics and Current Affairs in India & around the World, Sports, Health, Fitness, Entertainment, & News. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)