"It Is Clarified That...": On Criticism Over Vaccine Prices, Centre's Tweet

While opening up vaccinations to all above 18, the Centre tweaked its policy to allow states and private entities to buy doses directly from vaccine-makers.

Facing criticism over a new vaccine policy that could have people paying far more for a Covid shot, the government today put out a clarification. It said that vaccines procured by the central government would be provided free to states. However, the statement says nothing on the higher prices of vaccines sourced by states and private hospitals directly from the manufacturers. #Unite2FightCoronaIt is clarified that Govt of India's procurement price for both #COVID19 vaccines remains Rs 150 per dose.GOI procured doses will continue to be provided TOTALLY FREE to States.@PMOIndia@drharshvardhan@AshwiniKChoubey@DDNewslive@PIB_India@mygovindiahttps://t.co/W6SKPAnAXw COVISHIELD @ ₹400 for new govt procurement is higher than what govts of US, UK, EU, Saudi, Bangladesh & SA pay.Made in India & highest price for India?By SII's own admission profits are made even at ₹150.Prices must be renegotiated @PMOIndia@nsitharaman@drharshvardhanpic.twitter.com/BSTzQ6Fbvo "It is clarified that the government of India's procurement price for both COVID-19 vaccines remains Rs 150 per dose. GOI procured doses will continue to be provided TOTALLY FREE to states," the Ministry of Health tweeted this morning. From May 1, vaccinations will be open to all adults, but there will be three different prices.