Punjab awaits SII nod, Maharashtra might get going with Covaxin

By: Express News Service | Ludhiana, Mumbai, Panaji |
Updated: April 28, 2021 7:24:52 am
While Punjab’s well being division, which had contacted the Serum Institute of India (SII) to put an order for 30 lakh Covishield doses, is but to obtain any affirmation for provide, Maharashtra has obtained info from Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech that it may possibly ship 5 lakh doses in May to begin immunisation programme for 18-44 age group.
Maharashtra officers stated that whereas SII has not responded to their question formally, the producer has knowledgeable the state it may possibly provide solely after mid-May.
In a letter, Bharat Biotech has instructed Maharashtra it may possibly provide 5 lakh doses in May, 10 lakh every in June and July, and 20 lakh every in August, September and October. A date for May has not been supplied. The order for 85 lakh doses will price the state round Rs 535.5 crore.
The firm’s letter additionally acknowledged, “The above (stock) is purely tentative which can either increase or decrease.”
In neighbouring Goa, the plan to roll out vaccines for 18-44 age group is hanging in stability after SII expressed incapability to provide 5 lakh doses of Covishield, in keeping with Director of Health Services Dr Jose D’sa. He stated, “…they (SII) are not in a position to supply because they have commitments to fulfill for Government of India…”

CM Pramod Sawant stated later within the day, “I have personally taken up the matter with SII. We have asked them to give Goa priority and deliver vaccines as soon as possible.”
Punjab’s Principal Secretary, Health, Husan Lal stated they contacted SII to put an order for 30 lakh doses of Covishield — at Rs 400 per dose, as introduced by the corporate for state governments — however the firm “has not promised any supply as of now”.
Dr Rajesh Bhaskar, nodal officer, Covid-19, Punjab stated they’re but to contact Bharat Biotech to put an order for Covaxin.