New Delhi, Apr 26 :
The government has asked Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech to reduce the prices of COVID-19 vaccine, PTI reported on Monday. The government’s appeal to the vaccine manufacturers came amid widespread criticism over alleged profiteering during the pandemic. Covishield manufactured by the SII will be given at Rs 400 per dose to states and Rs 600 per dose to private hospitals, while Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin will cost Rs 600 per dose for the states and Rs 1,200 per dose for private hospitals. Both vaccines are, however, available to the central government at a rate of Rs 150 per dose.
According to PTI, the issue of vaccine pricing was discussed at a meeting chaired by Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba. It remains to be seen whether the companies will now come up with a revised prices. As India is all set to launch the vaccination drive for everyone between 18 and 45 years of age on May 1, the Union health ministry on Sunday made it clear that the vaccination facility for this age group will be available only in private centres. This would mean that those who approach private facility for vaccination will have to shell out the huge price fixed by
Under fire, Centre
the vaccine manufacturers. Several states, including Delhi, have however announced free vaccination for all people above the age of 18. The Centre has also sad that citizens below 45 years will be eligible to receive a jab from a government CVC if the state or the Union Territory decides to lower the minimum cut off age for eligibility. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, in his letter to all states and UTs on Sunday, said all priority groups such as the healthcare workers, the frontline workers and citizens above 45 years shall continue to be eligible for vaccination free of cost from the government CVCs or on payment from the private CVCs.
