Subsequent to undue condemnation by the opposition parites over new Covid-19 vaccination policy, the Centre on Sunday clarified that it liberalised the vaccination strategy ahead of fourth phase of vaccine programme for individuals above 18 years following states’ demand.
As per the new norm, the Centre will avail 50 per cent of the Covishield and Covaxin injectables at Rs 150 per dose, which will later be distributed to states to vaccinate those above 45 for free.
Private hospitals and medical institutes in several states have been permitted to procure 50 per cent of the quota on their own. From May 1, the supply will be demarcated into two baskets – 50 per cent for the Centre, and 50 per cent for the open market. Through the second — non-Government of India — channel, state governments, private hospitals, and industries that have possibilities to administer the vaccine, can get doses directly from manufacturers.
The Centre notified that private vaccination providers will transparently declare self-set vaccination prices. While states have not yet been allowed to negotiate prices.
Serum Institute of India (SII) on Wednesday declared the prices for covaxin at Rs 400 per dose to states, and Rs 600 per dose to hospitals. Wherein Bharat Biotech and Dr Reddy’s can be bought by States and private hospitals at Rs 600 and Rs 1,200 per shot respectively.