The prices of Covid vaccines – Covishield and Covaxin – are likely to get cheaper in India after regular market nod from the country’s drug regulator. The new rates will be capped at Rs 275 per dose, with an additional service charge of INR 150.
Official sources were quoted as saying that the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has already been directed to start working towards capping the price.
As of now, Covaxin is priced at INR 1,200 per dose while Covishield costs INR 780 in private facilities. The prices include the INR 150 service charge. Both the jabs are only authorised for emergency use in the country.
Prakash Kumar Singh, the director (government and regulatory affairs) at Serum Institute of India, had submitted an application to the Drugs Controller General of India on October 25 seeking regular market approval for its Covishield vaccine.
Meanwhile, V Krishna Mohan, the whole-time director at Bharat Biotech, had submitted complete information on the chemistry, manufacturing and controls, along with the pre-clinical and clinical data, while seeking regular market authorisation for Covaxin a few weeks ago.
At least 163.58 crore (1,63,58,44,536) vaccine doses have been administered in India since the national vaccination drive began in January 2021. On Tuesday, 59 lakh doses were administered. Further, 94 lakh precaution doses have been administered so far.