New Delhi: Following the Center's orders, Serum Institute of India manufactured Covishield has been capped at Rs. 400 for state governments and Rs. 600 for private hospitals.
In a media statement released by the vaccine manufacturing company, they explained that the prices were set keeping in mind affordability & the prices of international brands. The statement further said that from now 50% of the vaccines will be served to the Government of India's vaccination program and remaining 50% of the capacity will be directed to private hospitals and state governments.
SII further explained that currently it will be difficult for the company to provide it the vaccines to each corporate entity directly so they urge private companies to access it through the state facilities. They added that vaccines will be made available for free trade and retail post 4 to 5 months.
Recently, the Serum Institute of India (SII) - the producer of Covishield in India - recently requested Joe Biden's administration to release a ban on certain raw materials required for ramping up production of COVID-19 vaccine to meet the rising demand. So far, the White House has no immediate plans to reverse that decision. The White House on Monday did not respond to questions regarding SII's request to lift the export ban.
The second wave is rapidly increasing the cases in the country, with supplies running short the only hope is to increase the vaccination drive. Given the situation, the Indian government took some drastic step as everyone above the age of 18 is now eligible to be vaccinated in Phase-3 beginning May 1st 2021.