The Center has asked the states to take legal action against some private hospitals for offering Covid vaccination packages in association with luxury hotels. The letter from the Union Health Ministry said that the states and Union Territories should take care to ensure that the guidelines are followed while conducting the vaccination drive.
According to the guidelines, temporary vaccinations can be given at government and private centers, workplaces, home centers for the elderly and the disabled, community centers, panchayat houses, schools, colleges and old age homes. But some private hospitals are vaccinating in luxury hotels.
The hotel package includes comfortable accommodation, healthy breakfast, dinner and free Wi-Fi. In addition, immunizations and clinical consultation will be provided under the guidance of experts from reputed hospitals if required. There was widespread criticism on social media against this. The opposition was also critical.
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Monday asked the central government how private hospitals can get the vaccine despite having to suspend vaccinations for 18-44 year olds due to severe vaccine shortage. The criticism was so strong that the Ministry of Health directed that necessary legal and administrative action be taken against institutions that act contrary to the guidelines.