The Serum Institute of India has issued a statement clarifying why it was charging more to state governments and private players more than it charged the Centre’s Narendra Modi government even as the latest wave of the pandemic wreaked havoc across India. The statement by the Adar Poonawalla-led company came in the wake of Bollywood actor Farhan Akhtar triggering a row over the vaccine prices fixed by the SII.
Farhan had tweeted, “Can a spokesperson for the @SerumInstIndia please help us understand why states should not get Covishield at the same price as the centre?? And if they have issued a statement citing reasons, could someone please share a link re the same. Thank you.” In his subsequent tweet, Farhan had written, “After saying that you were making profit even at 150/vaccine, we will now be asked to pay the most of any country for it. Please explain why?”
After saying that you were making profit even at 150/vaccine, we will now be asked to pay the most of any country for it. Please explain why @SerumInstIndia pic.twitter.com/ozFXXlHIDG
— Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) April 24, 2021
When a critic accused Farhan of having no understanding about the topic, the actor-filmmaker replied without mincing words, “I understand humanity and being equitable .. leave supply chains & bottom lines to profit vultures like you. And if this information is wrong or half baked, I suggest you take it up with the publishers. Until then.. mask up, wash your hands and stay home.”
Actor Sonu Sood too had tweeted along the same lines, “Every needy should get vaccine for free. Very important to put a cap on the pricing. Corporates and individuals who can afford should come forward to help everyone get vaccinated.”
The SSI said in a statement, “Only a limited portion of SII’s volume will be sold to private hospitals at ₹ 600 per dose. The price of the vaccine is still lower than a lot of other medical treatment and essentials required to treat COVID-19 and other life-threatening diseases.”
We at @SerumInstIndia have for the past five decades been at the forefront of supplying vaccines and saving lives globally. We care about and respect every human life and strongly believe in transparency, and thus we hope our statement below can clear any confusions. pic.twitter.com/YQ3x38BuFL
— SerumInstituteIndia (@SerumInstIndia) April 24, 2021
According to a report, it was claimed that Rs. 600 fixed for the vaccine was highest in comparison with how the rest of the world paid for the same. Under the new price deal, the SII would charge state governments Rs. 400 for each dose of the vaccine, while charging Rs. 600 to private hospitals. Earlier, the SII had charged just Rs. 150 for each dose when it struck a deal with the central government.