Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik has taken the lead in demanding universal vaccination against Covid-19, pointing out that cooperative federalism is the need of the hour to save precious lives and livelihoods. He has called for a consensus among all states for a universal vaccination programme. In a letter to all chief ministers, he has expressed grave concerns at the prevailing Covid situation and suggested that the Centre should procure vaccines and distribute them.
“The only way to protect our people against future waves and provide them with hope for survival is vaccination. Countries that have focused on the vaccination programmes have seen a remarkable improvement in their Covid situation. We have to provide this healing touch to our people,” he said. It has compelled…