Talks did not materialise, says Niti Aayog's VK Paul on Pfizer and Moderna
India Today
Niti Aayog's Dr VK Paul said that even though the government held talks with foreign companies over setting up manufacturing plants for their vaccines in India, talks did not materialise.
Dr VK Paul, a member of the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19 (NEGVAC) spoke about why Pfizer and Moderna never came to India to set up manufacturing plants for vaccine production despite the government holding talks with the firms.
Dr VK Paul, who is also a member of Niti Aayog, said that consistent dialogues went on but received 'vague' answers from the firms.
He also said that despite the government removing several restrictions, Pfizer filed the application and later withdrew. Dr VK Paul said that firms wanted to do business on their own terms and kept the government waiting.
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He stated that Moderna wanted indemnity, protection against a loss or other financial burden, while Pfizer asked for sovereign immunity. Both of these demands were not acceptable to the government.
Dr VK Paul added that if the need arises, India will import both Pfizer and Modern from foreign countries.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Niti Aayog's VK Paul were in attendance for a book launch when the question of vaccine production by foreign vaccine makers in India was raised.
