DTMT Network

The negotiation over the pricing of coronavirus vaccine ZyCov-D between the central government and Zydus Cadila is still going on, the government sources informed a news agency adding that the final decision is expected by this week.

The central government is negotiating for a reduction in the price of the vaccine.

The decision on the pricing is taking time owing to two factors; the first is that it is a three-dose vaccine and the second is its application.

For the application of the ZyCov-D vaccine, a needle-free applicator or a jet injector is used, which can be used to vaccinate 10,000 people.

The government sources informed the agency that the price from the centre is expected to be around Rs 300 per dose.

Pointing out the dilemma of the centre, the sources said, “The final cost of ZyCov-D has not been finalised yet because the cost of the special applicator that will be used for the vaccine is around Rs 90 and the jet injector costs Rs 30,000.”

“The applicator that costs Rs 90 has to be replaced after every person and the jet injector has to be replaced by after 20,000 shots. We have to manage the cost in a manner that it remains reasonable,” the sources added.

Earlier in the coronavirus briefing, Niti Aayog member (health) Dr. VK Paul admitted that the price of the vaccine is a clear issue.

“Zydus Cadila DNA vaccine for practical implementation in the vaccination programme, all preparations on. We are constantly talking to them and the price is clearly an issue. We will make a decision soon and with all preparations, it should become a part of the national vaccination programme,” he said.