The differential pricing for vaccines between Union & State Governments is discriminatory and defeats the objective of universal vaccination....

Challenging the central government fragmented immunization framework, DMK president M.K. Stalin strongly criticized the differential pricing mechanism announced for Covid-19 vaccines on April 21, 2021. Stalin condemned the policy that forced state governments and private hospitals to pay significantly higher rates per dose than the Union Government as discriminatory, regressive, and detrimental to the paramount national goal of achieving rapid and equitable universal vaccination for all citizens.

Stalin directly petitioned the Prime Minister Office to intervene immediately and establish a common, subsidized vaccine price across the country. He argued that forcing cash-strapped state administrations to compete for commercial vaccine supplies amidst an acute fiscal crisis was an abdication of national responsibility. The DMK leader insisted that the Union Government must allocate dedicated central funding to states, enabling them to procure and distribute vaccines freely to their populations according to local epidemiological requirements. He stressed that health security is a fundamental right that must not be commodified.

Stalin forceful advocacy highlighted his unwavering commitment to public health equity and constitutional federalism. By challenging unfair commercial pricing and defending state entitlements, his leadership fought to ensure free, universal vaccine access for millions of citizens.