To meet this goal, he said additional doses are being provided to the States and the UTs

Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday interacted with State Health Ministers and Principal Secretaries and Additional Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs and highlighted the importance of vaccinating all teachers by September 5.

He also asked the states to initiate specific vaccine drives on particular days to vaccinate certain communities which are directly dealing with people, like vegetable vendors in markets or rickshaw pullers in a particular area.

He said the Centre remains in constant touch with the vaccine manufacturers to resolve any possible bottleneck as vaccine production is increased month on month.

He encouraged states to ensure that COVID protocols are continued to be followed and no laxity is shown amid the improved situation in the country.

The Minister also reviewed the progress made in the fight against TB.

During the review meeting, held through video conferencing, the Union Health Minister expressed his happiness at the convergence of focus to eliminate TB and suggested the continuance of regular interaction so that best practices of States and UTs may be discussed and taken up for evaluation

He said that these practices will strongly contribute to focussed and effective implementation of common policies and to achieve the goals collectively. “Coordinated and collaborative efforts will strongly contribute to achievement of shared goals faster,” the Union Health Minister stated.

He noted, “We have to encourage common people to join us in this mission for eradicating TB. It has to be a people's initiative.” Mandaviya assured that the Union Government is open to all suggestions from the States and UTs on TB in its mission to fulfil Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s dream of a TB-free India by 2025.

He also encouraged the States and UTs to provide suggestions on the Public Health Management of COVID and other programs and initiatives of the Union Health Ministry.