Share Covaxin formula, cap vaccine prices: Delhi govt tells Centre
Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain has said that if there is a need for global tenders for procurement of Covid-19 vaccines, the Central government should float it instead of the state.
"Through the global tender, we can only procure Covishield, Covaxin and SputnikV in the country. If there is a need for a global tender then it should be done by the Central government," Jain said while addressing the media here on Friday.
He also urged the Centre to share Bharat Biotech's Covaxin formula with other companies willing to manufacture coronavirus vaccines to prevent a shortage. The minister also said that the Central government should cap the prices of all Covid vaccines.
"Central government is a partner in Covaxin's manufacturing so they can share the formula with others. The Centre should cap prices of all vaccines and it should not be more than Rs 150 per dose," Delhi Health Minister said.
Further speaking about the vaccination shortage, the minister said that Delhi is about to run out of its Covaxin stock.
"Covaxin stock has almost ended. We only have two to three days of stock for Covidshield vaccines for 18- 44 years of age group," said Jain. The vaccination for those above the age of 45 will start in government schools soon, he added.
Meanwhile, the minister had earlier on Thursday also suggested to the Union health ministry that the central government should float a single global tender instead of various states to purchase Covid-19 vaccines.
Pune-based Serum Institute of India is supplying Covishield to the Centre for Rs 150 a dose while to states for Rs 300 a dose. Private Hospitals are getting it at double the state's price at Rs 600. Whereas, Covaxin manufacturer Bharat Biotech has priced its vaccine at Rs 150 a dose for the Centre, Rs 600 a dose for state governments and Rs 1,200 a dose for private hospitals. Both anti-Covid vaccines are administered in two doses.
Russia's SputnikV is also available in India from today. The imported doses of the vaccine are presently priced at a maximum retail price of Rs 948, with 5 per cent GST per dose.
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