India launched the world's largest vaccination campaign on January 16 this year

More than 116.58 crore (1,16,58,27,955) vaccine doses have been provided to States and UTs so far through the Government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category.

Releasing the figures in Sunday, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said,
"More than 15.77 Cr (15,77,70,771) balance and unutilized COVID Vaccine doses are still available with the States/UTs to be administered".

India launched what has been described as the world's largest vaccination campaign on January 16 this year. The nationwide campaign began by covering HealthCare Workers, followed by FrontLine Workers and people above 60 years old before extending it to the entire adult population.

The new phase of universalization of COVID-19 vaccination commenced from June 21.

The vaccination drive has been ramped up through availability of more vaccines, advance visibility of vaccine availability to States and UTs for enabling better planning by them, and streamlining the vaccine supply chain, the health ministry said.

As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, Government of India has been supporting the States and UTs by providing them Covid-19 vaccines free of cost.

In the new phase of the universalization of the Covid-19 vaccination drive, the Union Government is procuring and supply (free of cost) 75% of the vaccines being produced by the vaccine manufacturers in the country to States and UTs.

"The Union Government is committed to accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country," the health ministry said.