Govt fixes rates private hospitals can charge for three Covid-19 vaccines; Covaxin priced at Rs 1,410

The Centre on Tuesday instructed private vaccination centers to not charge more than Rs 780 for Covishield, Rs 1,410 for Covaxin and Rs 1,145 Sputnik V. The order also sternly reiterated that the prices will be monitored every day and strict action will be taken against any private vaccination center for charging more.
The decision comes a day after the Centre modified its vaccine procurement strategy thereby enabling greater access to vaccines at regional levels. In his speech yesterday, PM Modi had said that the Centre has decided to buy 75 per cent of jabs from vaccine makers for free supply to states, while private sector hospitals will continue to procure 25 per cent of vaccines but they cannot charge more than Rs 150 per dose over the pre-fixed price.

"It is also requested that wherever instances of over-charging as compared to the price declared by the CVC come to notice, appropriate strict action is taken against any such private CVCs. Suitable instructions may also be issued to all concerned in this regard," read the circular from the Health Ministry.

The ministry also mentioned that the Co-WIN platform is putting the required validations in place to ensure that the prices declared by various private COVID Vaccination Centers (CVCs) do not exceed the maximum price indicated above.