Lucknow, Apr 26 (IANS): The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has placed an order for one crore Covid-19 vaccine doses for the third phase of the vaccination drive, beginning May 1.

In a statement, the chief minister said, "Uttar Pradesh government has placed an order for 1 crore doses of anti-COVID vaccines for the vaccination drive beginning May 1. An order of 50-50 lakh doses has been placed for both indigenous vaccine manufacturers.

"In addition, the dose will be made available by the Government of India. A comprehensive action plan is being prepared in this regard."

The Centre, on April 19, had announced a 'liberalized' policy, making all above 18 years of age eligible to get vaccinated from May 1. It has also allowed state governments and private hospitals to purchase vaccines from manufacturers.

As per the central government, manufacturers of Covid vaccines will be free to supply 50 per cent doses to state governments and in the open market, for which they will have to make an advance declaration of the price before May 1.

India had started the Covid vaccination drive on January 16 with two vaccines -- Covishield (Oxford-AstraZeneca's vaccine manufactured by Serum Institute of India) and Covaxin (manufactured by Bharat Biotech Limited).

India commenced its second phase of the vaccination drive to inoculate people above 60 years and those over 45 with comorbidities against the Corona virus from March 1.

The third phase began on April 1 for all above 45 years of age.

In the next phase beginning May 1, all above the age of 18 would be eligible to receive the jab.

India is facing a severe second wave of the pandemic that now witness over 3.5 lakh cases and above 2,800 deaths daily over the last few days.