Bharat biotech deal for the Covaxin vaccine supply is causing a stir in Brazil. Senators suspect that there are irregularities in a Health Ministry contract to purchase 20 million doses of the Covaxin vaccine manufactured by the Indian laboratory Bharat Biotech. The price per dose, which was higher than for other COVID-19 vaccines, drew prosecutors attention along with ministry officials. It is alleged that Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro took a special interest in the deal.
The Brazilian Ministry of Health has agreed to pay $ 300 million (Rs 2,230 crore) for 2 crore doses (including technology transfer) of Covaxin. The agreement was mediated by Precisa Medicamentos of Brazil. According to credible sources, the parliamentary panel has documents showing that Precisa Medicamentos alone will receive $ 10 crore (Rs 734 crores) for this. Groups close to Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro are suspected of having a stake in it. Currently, the deal documents are being investigated by a parliamentary panel.