Around 25-30 crore people are likely to get coronavirus vaccines by July-August next year, the Government said on Monday even as it asked States/UTs to identify healthcare workers, including doctors, pharmacists as well as MBBS and BDS interns, who will carry out a Covid-19 inoculation drive once a vaccine is available.

“In the first 3-4 months of next year, there is a possibility that we will be able to provide vaccine to the people of the country. By July-August, we have a plan to provide vaccines to around 25-30 crore people and we are preparing accordingly,” Dr Harsh Vardhan told reporters at an event here.

The Government has on its agenda to give vaccination priority to doctors, healthcare workers and people above 60-year-old.

“I would like to request everyone to remember and follow Covid-19 appropriate behaviour like wearing masks and following social distancing. These are important for health,” said the Minister as he highlighted that India has one of the highest recovery rates in the whole world.

 “From 1 lab in January 2020, we now have 2,165 labs. More than a million people are being tested on a daily basis. We have completed 14 crore cumulative tests today. This all shows the determination of the Government and relentless efforts of our corona warriors whose contribution is significant in fighting the pandemic,” he said.

Later, Harsh Vardhan and chairman of the Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) distributed masks and soaps at the Old Delhi Railway Station on Monday, stating it was the biggest weapon to fight Covid-19.

Meanwhile, sources said that Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan in a letter to States and UTs has said the MBBS and BDS doctors as well as interns, staff nurses, auxiliary nurse midwives and pharmacists would be considered as potential vaccinators, for carrying out the drive, provided that they are actively involved in day-to-day provision of clinical care and have experience in administering injections.