Pfizer Denies BMC Commissioner's Vaccine Bid Claim; Reiterates Working Only With Central Govts

"Pfizer is supplying its Covid-19 vaccine only to central governments and supra-national organizations for deployment in national immunization programs," said the company's spokesperson.

Mumbai: Pfizer pharmaceutical company issued a clarification stating it hasn't authorised anyone to market or distribute the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine.

Earlier on Tuesday, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal informed that eight bids, including one bid for Pfizer/Astra Zeneca were received till date in response to the “MCGM’s Global Expression of Interest for procurement of one crore vaccine doses”.

A Pfizer spokesperson said according to ANI, "As stated earlier, during this pandemic phase, across the world, Pfizer is supplying its Covid-19 vaccine only to central governments and supra-national organizations for deployment in national immunization programs." 

"Neither Pfizer Inc nor any of its affiliates globally, including in India, have authorized anyone to import/market/distribute the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID 19 vaccine. We continue to have ongoing discussions with the Government of India towards making our vaccine available for use nationally," added the official according to ANI. 

Singh Chahal had earlier claimed that eight bids, including one bid for Pfizer/Astra Zeneca and the remaining seven bids for Sputnik, have been received till date in response to the “MCGM’s Global Expression of Interest for procurement of one crore vaccine doses".

He added that any additional bid shall also be entertained.

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope also while commenting on the issue of global tenders to procure Covid vaccines told the media that the state government has got a response from few companies, including Pfizer, Sputnik and AstraZeneca.

Several other states, including Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh, too have floated global tender for jabs as they are facing an acute shortage of vaccine which is making it difficult for the vaccine drives to run smoothly. 

On Monday, the Union Health Ministry opened on-site registration/facilitated cohort registration on CoWIN digital platform for the 18-44 years age group but it will be provided for Government COVID Vaccination Centers (CVCs). The move has been made to minimise vaccine wastage and provide vaccination to those with limited access to mobile phones and internet.