Amid allegations of profiteering, the Punjab government on Friday withdrew the order of providing one-time limited vaccine doses to 18-44 years age group population through private hospitals.

In its order, the Punjab government has asked the private hospitals to return all vaccine doses available to them.

“The order of providing one-time limited vaccine doses to 18-44 years age group population through private hospitals has not been the in the right spirit and is hereby withdrawn. Further, it has been decided that the private hospitals should return forthwith all the vaccine doses available with them,” the order said.

“The dose which they have utilised as of date should also be returned back, once they get direct supplies from the manufacturers. The amount deposited by the private hospitals in the Vaccine Fund shall be refunded to them,” it added.

The decision was taken after Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal demanded a High Court-monitored probe into the alleged selling of COVID vaccine doses by the Punjab government to private hospitals for profit.

‘42,000 doses taken back from pvt hospitals’

Meanwhile, Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu has informed that a total of 42,000 vaccine doses were given to private hospitals which the state government has taken back from them. “Chief Minister immediately took cognisance of the incident and the decision was nixed. Those who have paid the extra price for the vaccine will get reimbursement,” he said.

Earlier today, the Punjab health minister responded to the allegations levelled by the Opposition saying that he will definitely initiate an inquiry.

“I don’t have control over vaccines. This comes under the Chief Secretary and other officials. I just look over treatment, testing, sampling of COVID-19 and vaccination camps. We will definitely set an inquiry, I myself can inquire about the matter,” he said.