Delhi, along with a bunch of southern Indian states, on May 11 joined several others in taking the global-tender route to procure Covid-19 vaccines even as domestic supply fails to keep up with rising demand. Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra & Odisha have already chosen this option amid the searing second wave of the pandemic. Centre says it's so far provided over 18 crore doses to states and Union Territories for free. Yet, many states & Union Territories still face so much shortage that many are now prioritising recipients' second doses over the first so as to not lose the vaccine's efficacy. Addressing a press conference on May 11, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia even alleged that the BJP-ruled Centre was "forcing" state governments to invite global tenders. Maharashtra is also exploring possibilities of global procurement of vaccines. Andhra Pradesh & Telangana are eyeing global tenders, too, for Covid-19 vaccines. Uttar Pradesh has already flagged off the process for four crore doses. Odisha Cabinet headed by CM Naveen Patnaik approved a proposal to float a global tender to procure vaccines for the people.
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