With much in discussion about the higher vaccine prices, Pune-based Serum Institute of India has taken the decision of reducing the price of the COVID-19 vaccine from Rs 400 to Rs 300 for every dose for the states, as declared by SII CEO Adar Poonawallah on Wednesday.
In a tweet, Poonawallah wrote, “As a philanthropic gesture on behalf of Serum Institute of India, I hereby reduce the price to the states from Rs 400 to Rs 300 per dose, effective immediately; this will save thousands of crores of state funds going forward. This will enable more vaccinations and save countless lives.”
In the beginning of the month, Adar Poonawallah appealed to the Centre for financial assistance for accelerating the vaccine production. The Centre has declared the third phase of the vaccination drive starting from May 1 for everyone above the age of 18 years. Further on, several important issues were discussed and critical decisions were taken in the review meeting led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi about pricing, procurement, eligibility and administration of vaccines which will be made flexible in the phase – 3 of the vaccination drive.
Vaccine manufacturers have been asked to further accelerate the production, along with drawing over new national and international players and will be empowered to direct 50 per cent of their supply to state governments and also in the open market at a fixated price.
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