Adar Poonawalla Announces Reduction In Price Of Covishield Vaccine From Rs 400 To Rs 300 After Facing Criticism

Serum Institute of India's Covishield will cost states Rs 300 instead of Rs 400, CEO Adar Poonawalla tweeted on April 28, calling it a "philanthropic gesture". The higher prices of vaccines for states & private hospitals have provoked anger & debate since Serum made the announcement weeks ago. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on April 28 hit out at the government over the "high" Covid-19 vaccine prices, saying the system has once again failed Indian citizens. "Once again, the failed 'system' fails our citizens for Modi-mitrs' profit, " he said. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had said on April 26 that vaccines should have one price & had also appealed to the Centre to bring down the price. From May 1, as vaccinations open to all adults, states & private entities can buy doses directly from manufacturers under the Centre's liberalised policy to tackle the explosion of Covid-19 cases. While Serum announced a price of Rs 400 rupees for states and Rs 600 for private hospitals, Bharat Biotech set the prices at Rs 600 and Rs 1,200 a dose