New Delhi: The price of Covishield and Covaxin may come down substantially after the government grants full market authorization to the companies.
According to a PTI report, the price of Covishield and Covaxin is likely to be capped at Rs 275 per dose, with an additional service charge of Rs 150, to make COVID-19 vaccines more affordable.
Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech are awaiting full market approval from Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).
Currently, those getting jabbed from private hospitals and clinics have to pay Rs 780 for Covishield and Rs 1,200 for Covaxin per dose. The prices include a service charge of Rs 150.
The government has already directed National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) to process the price capping.
“The NPPA has been asked to work towards capping the price of the vaccines. The price is likely to be capped at Rs 275 per dose along with an additional service charge of Rs 150,” a source told PTI.
Serum Institute applied to DCGI seeking regular market approval for Covishield on October 25, while Bharat Biotech submitted all relevant information while seeking full market authorization for Covaxin a few weeks ago.
A week ago, a Subject Expert Committee on COVID-19 recommended granting regular market approval to Covishield and Covaxin. The two vaccines were granted emergency use approval for the massive inoculation drive in India, which started on January 16, 2021.
