New Delhi [India], September 7 (ANI): Union Health Ministry on Tuesday informed that over 69.51 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been provided to the states and union territories so far through the Central government (free of cost channel).

The ministry also informed that over 5.31 crore unutilised COVID vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered.

Also Read | Vivo Y21s With 5,000mAh Battery & Triple Rear Cameras Launched.

"As many as 69,51,79,965 vaccine doses have been provided to the states and UTs so far through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category. Further, 77,93,360 doses are in the pipeline," the statement issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said.

"5,31,15,610 balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered," it further stated.

Also Read | India Reports 31,222 New COVID-19 Cases, 290 Deaths in Past 24 Hours; Fatality Rate at 1.33%.

As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, the Government of India has been supporting the states and UTs by providing them COVID vaccines free of cost.

The new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination drive commenced from June 21

In the new phase of the universalization of the COVID19 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 the states and UTs. (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)