The Punjab government paid Rs 10.37 crore to the Serum Institute of India on April 26 for procurement of around 30 lakh doses of the Covid vaccine but has yet to receive a schedule of supply, health secretary Hussan Lal told the state cabinet.

Chairing a virtual cabinet meeting here, Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh directed the health department to explore all options for the supply of the vaccine.

The state government hospitals have not yet started the vaccination drive for the 18-44 age group due to the unavailability of vaccines.

Only some private hospitals, which had placed direct orders for the vaccine, have commenced the inoculation drive of those aged 18 and above, the participants of the meeting were informed, according to an official statement.