Covaxin, Covishield likely to cost Rs 275 per dose after regular market nod

New Delhi : The Centre is planning to cap the prices of coronavirus vaccines – Covishield and Covaxin – at Rs 275 per dose after the two vaccines get regular market approval from the Drugs Controller General of India (DGCI).

Some news reports suggest that government may apply a service charge of Rs 150 to keep the prices reasonable.

An official told Economic Times that the discussion to cap price of the vaccines was discusses in a recent meeting. The official was quoted as saying, "The government is buying the vaccines in bulk at around ₹205. So we thought a 33% profit margin over ₹205 was a fair price for manufacturers. This is why we are planning to cap it at ₹275 per dose."

Currently, Bharat Biotech has priced Covaxin at Rs 1200 per dose and Serum Institute of India has priced it at Rs 780 for private hospitals.

The regular market approval is expected to come by the next month and with this the government is planning to cap the prices.