Private hospitals could be charging up to Rs 250 for each
dose of the COVID 19 vaccine, reported PTI quoting sources on Saturday, ahead
of India’s plan to vaccinate aged over 60 years and those over 45 with
comorbidities, scheduled to start from March 1. While government hospitals will
see vaccines being provided free of cost, those getting inoculated in private
facilities would be required to pay for it.

The cap of Rs 250 would come from the cost of the vaccine, which is Rs 150, as well as Rs 100 as service charge.

The Union Health Ministry said on Friday that it had made
arrangements for beneficiaries to self-register in advance by using applications
such as co-WIN 2.0 and Aarogya Setu, both of which would be displaying medical facilities,
both government and private, which would be serving as vaccination centres.

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“Rs 250 will be the ceiling — Rs 150 cost of vaccine
plus Rs 100 service charge. This arrangement will remain effective till further
orders,” PTI quoted an unnamed health ministry official as saying.

The beneficiaries would be able to start registering themselves
from March 1 in their preferred COVID-19 vaccination centres (CVCs) and book an
appointment for vaccination.

“Eligible beneficiaries would be able to register
themselves on the Co-WIN platform from March 1 itself,” Empowered Group on
COVID-19 Vaccine Administration Chairman Rajesh Sharma was quoted by PTI as
saying.

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Originally being launched nationwide in January 16, the
COVID 19 vaccination process is set to be expanded eventually to various age groups,
currently being limited to those above 60 years and those between 45 and 59
years of age who have comorbidities.