Superstar Mahesh Babu's vaccine drive at his native village Burripalem is really an inspiring event.
While several employers feel it is their responsibility to vaccinate their employees, Mahesh Babu has taken a giant step by vaccinating an entire village. That's really a heroic move. He surely stands up as a role model.
But what pinches the society is the kind of money that the system is making Mahesh Babu spend on this generous activity.
Shockingly, for each vaccine Mahesh Babu is spending a whopping amount. It is known that the Central Government is getting the vaccine at its lowest price. Assuming that the vaccine manufacturers are selling the vaccine doses with a marginal profit or at manufacturing cost to the Central Government, it sends shivers to see at what price they are selling to the private parties. Had the doses been given at lesser prices, it may bring in enthusiasm to the star to expand his helping arms to the larger population.
Many of the business tycoons who wish to vaccinate on behalf of their respective Foundations and CSRs are stepping back only for one reason- the exorbitant price.
Some gated communities are also buying the vaccines at higher prices to get their community members jabbed against the payment of the cost price.
As long as it is a paid jab, there's no problem. But when some socially conscious people are thinking of doing service to the society with free inoculations on par with the government, the situation is not very encouraging.
A slash in the prices of vaccines could certainly accelerate the vaccination process.
To make the 130 Cr Indian population vaccinated as soon as possible, the governments alone cannot shoulder the burden. NGOs, CSRs, Foundations, HNIs and many groups come forward to extend their help if the prices are reduced to half.
Hope the governments and the vaccine manufacturing companies think about this for the benefit of the nation.
