Story in numbers: Wasted shots could have vaccinated entire Tripura

In the initial phase, with beneficiaries registering and then not turning up for the vaccine, vials were being discarded to avoid transporting them back to the cold chain

Up to 6.5 per cent of Covid-19 vaccines was wasted in India until March 17, according to the health ministry data. Over 4.4 million doses — more than the population of Tripura — were wasted until April 11, according to a recent NDTV report based on Right to Information (RTI) queries. By April 11, states and Union Territories had used 100 million doses, the report said, leading to a wastage rate of 4.4 per cent.
 
In the initial phase of the vaccination drive, the news of serious adverse events had worried people. With beneficiaries registering and then not turning