Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal Monday said that all persons above 18 years of age would be provided free vaccines amid the COVID-19 surge in the national capital.

Addressing a virtual press conference, Kejriwal said that the Delhi government has given approval for purchase of 1.34 crore more COVID-19 vaccines.

"Delhi government has taken an important decision in the fight against Coronavirus. We have decided to provide free vaccines for people above 18 years of age. We have given the approval to buy 1.34 crore vaccines," Kejriwal announced.

Kejriwal also urged COVID-19 vaccine producers for a uniform price and said it is not the time to earn profits on vaccines.

"One vaccine producer said they'll provide the vaccines to the state governments at Rs 400 per dose, and the second manufacturer said they'll provide the vaccine at Rs 600. Both of them will keep the price at Rs 150 per dose for the Central government. Vaccines should have the same price. This time is not to earn profit but to help. I hope the vaccine  manufacturers will bring down the price to Rs 150 per dose," Keriwal said. 

It may be noted here that Serum Institute of India (SII) has said it will provide Covishield at Rs 400 per dose to state governments and at Rs 600 to private hospitals while Bharat Biotech has said that Covaxin will cost Rs 600 per dose for state governments and Rs 1,200 per dose for private hospitals.