Centre caps vaccine prices; Covishield at Rs 780, Covaxin Rs 1,410

NEW DELHI: The

Centre

on Tuesday capped prices of Covid-19 vaccines for private hospitals. The maximum price that

private hospitals

can charge for Covishield is Rs 780, Covaxin Rs 1,410, and

Sputnik

V Rs 1,145, the Centre said.


The Centre said the price of vaccine doses for private hospitals would be declared by each vaccine manufacturer, and any subsequent changes would be notified in advance.

"The private hospitals may charge up to a maximum of Rs 150 per dose as service charges. State governments may monitor the price being so charged," health ministry said in its order.



The health ministry affirmed that appropriate strict action be taken against private vaccination centres for overcharging and asked states to ensure that the prices declared by various private CVCs do not exceed the ceiling.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address on Monday announced the Centre has decided to buy 75 per cent of jabs from vaccine makers, including 25 per cent of the state quota, and give it for free to state governments.

The private sector hospitals can continue to procure 25 per cent of vaccines, but their service charge would be capped at Rs 150 per dose over a fixed price of the vaccine, he said.