Centre on Tuesday fixed the maximum price that private hospitals can charge for the Covid-19 vaccines. The pricing comes amid strong allegations of profiteering from the opposition.
The price of Covishield has been fixed at Rs 780 a dose. Russian vaccine Sputnik V will cost Rs 1,145 a dose while for India-made Covaxin, one will have to pay Rs 1,410 a dose. This includes taxes as well as a 150-rupee service charge for the hospitals.
Moreover, the Center asked the states not to allow private hospitals to levy more than Rs 150 as service charge. The state governments will be monitoring the private hospitals regularly. Also, a strict action will be taken against any private vaccination center for charging more.
The new vaccine policy will come into effect from June 21, International Yoga Day.
As per it, the Centre will procure 75 per cent of the vaccines produced by companies, including the 25 per cent currently assigned to states. However, the private hospitals will continue to buy the remaining 25 per cent and vaccinate those who are willing to pay.
The government-run institutions will provide free vaccination to all eligible persons. The Supreme Court earlier had also questioned the pricing of vaccine by the Centre. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE
Furthermore, Opposition’s Rahul Gandhi wondered why people have to pay for vaccination in private hospitals. Since a long time Congress has been demanding ‘one nation one price’ for vaccines.
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