Price Factor Of Vaccines Won't Impact Ultimate Beneficiary As States Have Declared Free Vaccination : Centre Tells Supreme Court

The Central government has, submitted before the Supreme Court that the price factor of Covid vaccines will not have any impact on the ultimate beneficiary namely, the eligible person getting the vaccine since all State Governments have already declared their policy decision that they'll administering vaccine to its residents, free of cost.

"Thus, while it is ensured that the two vaccine manufacturers, are not unduly enriched from out of public money, the citizens are not supposed to make any payment for getting both dose of the vaccine." the affidavit reads.

The submissions have been made through an affidavit filed by the Centre in compliance with the order of the Supreme court dated April 30, 2021 in Suo Moto case regarding distribution of essential supplies and services during the pandemic

The Supreme Court had prima facie observed that the vaccination policy was not conforming with the mandate of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution, for being arbitrary and violative of right to health.

Centre has said that all citizens of all age groups will get free vaccination throughout the country, as all State Governments have announced free vaccination for group of 18- 44 years.

"Citizens of 18 to 44 years are getting vaccination free of cost as all the State Governments have announced free vaccination for this population group of 18- 44 years. Thus, all citizens of all age groups will get free vaccination throughout the country." the affidavit reads.

The Central Government has stated that it has ensured that the prices of vaccine is uniform for all the States, by conducting informal consultations with the vaccine manufacturers, to avoid any disparity resulting from one State ending up buying vaccine at a higher price than the other.

According to the Centre, both vaccine manufacturers have taken financial risk in developing and manufacturing these vaccines and it is therefore prudent to take decisions on pricing through negotiations in a transparent consultative process keeping statutory provisions as a last resort under the present circumstances.

The Centre has also informed the Court that, due to consultations and "persuasion" by the Central Government both the manufacturers of vaccine, Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute, have declared their respective prices which are uniform for all State Governments.

"It is pertinent to note that the Central Government by nature of its large vaccination programme, places large purchase orders for vaccines as opposed to the State Governments and/or Private Hospitals and therefore, this reality has some reflection in the prices negotiated." the affidavit reads.

Click here to read/download the affidavit