Covid Vaccine Prices To Be Revised, Centre In Talks With Serum Institute & Bharat Biotech: Sources

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the Centre will provide free coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines to all adults across all states beginning June 21.

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New Delhi: Days after issuing new procurement guidelines, the Centre is reportedly in talks with Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech about revising Covid-19 vaccine prices. The Union government is currently purchasing Covishield and Covaxin for Rs 150.

“The revised procurement price per dose is yet to be decided under the new system,” a senior government official told the Indian Express.

On Tuesday, Covid-19 vaccine prices for private hospitals were revised, with Covishield shot costing Rs 780, Covaxin jab costing Rs 1,410, and Sputnik V dose costing Rs 1145. The new price is in accordance with the Health Ministry's revised guidelines.

The statement also detailed the 5% GST rates levied on vaccine doses: Rs 30 for Covishield, Rs 60 for Covaxin, and Rs 47.40-47 for Sputnik V.

“The price of vaccine doses for private hospitals would be declared by each vaccine manufacturer, and any subsequent changes would be notified in advance. The private hospitals may charge up to a maximum of Rs 150 per dose as service charges. State governments may monitor the price being so charged," it said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Monday that the Centre will provide free coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccines to all adults across all states beginning June 21.

The Centre will take over from states, which were supposed to carry out about 25% of the country's vaccination work, and will continue its ongoing efforts to target the 45+ population, as well as health care and front-line workers. In other words, under a new policy, the central government will be responsible for 75 percent of India's vaccination drive.

It also means that all adults will receive free vaccines, with the exception of those who choose to go to private hospitals.

“For citizens, the Indian government will allot free vaccines to states. Seventy-five per cent of the total vaccines produced by manufacturers will be bought by the Centre and sent to states,” PM Modi said.