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Odisha To Float Global Tenders To Procure Covid-19 Vaccines

Bhubaneswar: In a bid to widen the Covid-19 vaccination drive in the State, the Odisha government on Monday decided to float global tenders for the procurement of vaccines from global companies. A decision in this effect was taken during the State Cabinet meeting today.

The meeting, which was chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, also decided to form a technical team for swift procurement of vaccines and vaccination.

Moreover, in an attempt to strengthen Odisha’s preparedness to fight the second wave of Covid-19, the Cabinet has also given nod to amendments in IPR 2015 to incentivise production of medical oxygen in the State. This will offer benefits to those manufacturing medical oxygen and containers.

Reiterating its determination to fight the virus, the Cabinet also urged the Centre to exempt vaccines from all tax liabilities to reduce burden on finances and facilitate Odisha’s drive towards universal vaccination. Besides, it also requested for suitable sharing of various cess and surcharges at this juncture to augment States’ resources.

While appreciating the hard work and sacrifices of COVID warriors across the State, CM Naveen expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people for their cooperation in the fight against pandemic-whether it is testing, tracing, vaccination and lockdown.

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