NEW DELHI, Feb 27: Select private hospitals will offer paid vaccination from March 1 alongside the free vaccination at Government hospitals, offering the people a healthy choice. The charge is reported to be Rs 250 per dose, an individual needing two doses with a gap of about a month. Although the deal is done theoretically, the Government is yet to finalise it with the private sector.

The arrangement will have many plus points. First and foremost, it will speed up the immunisation drive at this critical time. By the arrangement, the Government will also be able to involve the private hospitals in a constructive way for providing responsible healthcare to the people. On the one hand it will be a boost for the private hospitals, and on the other, it will be quite a satisfying arrangement for large sections who may see Government hospitals as not rendering satisfactory services, apart from being not responsible enough to the people.

The next phase of vaccination starting March 1 will target those above 60 years and those in the 45-60 age group with comorbidities. Those in the 45-60 age group are required to bring a medical certificate from any medical practitioner about their comorbidities. One can download Aarogya Setu app and register at Co-Win and book an appointment for vaccination. One can even walk in at a vaccination centre with an I-card, register there and get vaccinated.

Covishield of Oxford-AstraZenica manufactured in India by Pune- based Serum Institute of India and Covaxin of Hyderabad-based Indian biotech company Bharat Biotech will be on offer but it is not known if a choice will be available.

The first two phases that targeted the health workers and the frontline workers are in progress, having immunised a total of 1,34,72,643 caregivers by Wednesday (including about 15 lakh second doses). The vaccination started in the country on January 16. The Government has calculated that the country has the facilities to provide 70 lakh jabs a day.