Giving Covishield at special price of Rs 200/dose for first 100 million doses only to India: Adar Poonawalla

CEO of the Serum Institute of India (SII), Adar Poonawalla on Tuesday said his firm has decided to sell the first 100 million doses of Covishield vaccine at a special price to the Indian government.

Adar Poonawalla said SII will be selling these 100 million doses at Rs 200 per dose, following the government's request.

However, following this, the Serum Institute of India will sell the vaccine atrs 1,000 per dose to private players.

"We have given a special price of Rs 200 for the first 100 million doses only to the Government of India on their request that we want to support the common man, vulnerable, poor and healthcare workers. After that, we'll be selling it at Rs 1,000 in private markets," Adar Poonawalla said.

Early Tuesday morning, the first consignment of Covishield, the Covid-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University and AstraZenca and manufactured in India by the Serum Institute, was dispatched to 13 locations from the Pune-based firm.

India will start its nationwide vaccination of Covishield and Bharat BioTech's Covaxin from January 16.

"It is a relief day for all of us as the entire team is working tirelessly for the last few months. We have offered Rs 200/dose for first the 100 million doses only in India to make the vaccine available for aam admi. Many countries are approaching India for vaccines. We are trying to supply to Africa and other countries. These things are being worked out and the government is also working on it," Adar Poonawala said.

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