Price for Covishield and Covaxin likely to be capped at INR 275 per dose

As per the official sources, the prices of the vaccines Covishield and Covaxin, which are expected to get regular market approval from India's drug regulator shortly, is likely to be capped at Rs 275 per dose plus an additional service charge of Rs 150. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has been directed to work towards capping the retail price of the vaccines.

Currently, the price of the Covaxin is around INR 1200 per dose while the cost of Covishield is somewhere around INR 800 per dose in private hospitals and other facilities. As of now they are authorised for emergency use in the country only. The prices include the INR 150 service charge as well.

Prakash Kumar Singh, the director (government and regulatory affairs) at Serum Institute of India, had submitted an application to the Drugs Controller General of India seeking regular market approval for its Covishiled vaccine. The chances of the approval are significant which is why the directions are being given rapidly to ensure capping of the price.