Pfizer, Others To Get Indemnity? "No Problem," Say Government Sources

Health Ministry sources have said other countries have done it and "there is no problem" in granting indemnity or legal protection from any claims linked to the use of a company's COVID-19 vaccine.

To speed up approvals for Pfizer and Moderna in India, the government may grant a major concession requested by them - indemnity from liability. Health Ministry sources have said other countries have done it and "there is no problem" in granting indemnity or legal protection from any claims linked to the use of a company's COVID-19 vaccine. "If these companies have applied for Emergency Use Authorisation in India, then we are ready to give them indemnity," the sources said. In another key waiver, the drug regulator has done away with the requirement of India-specific trials for foreign vaccines approved by specific countries and WHO for emergency use.