Image source - https://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/covid-vaccination-rollout
Major states of country are trying to get hold on vaccines via International suppliers. Maharashtra, UP, Kerala, Punjab and many other states have floated global tenders to buy Covid-19 vaccines. Although, Centre stated as “states are spending their own money, they do not require the Centre’s permission for inviting a global tender, but jabs cannot be administered without the approval of the central government”
Union government has indicated that the vaccines of such manufacturers who have global approvals will not face any regulatory roadblock in India, there are some conditions that need to be fulfilled. This has emerged as a major technical issue during preliminary buyer-seller discussions. While all suppliers haven’t reverted back regarding state’s request, some have responded in negative terms:
• Punjab’s efforts to procure Covid-19 vaccines from global manufacturers suffered a setback on Sunday after Moderna turned down the state government’s request, saying it does not supply directly to states.
• Maharashtra government said, last date for submissions for a global tender for 5 crore doses is May 26. “We wrote a mail to Sputnik but we have not received any response,” said N Ramaswamy, director of the National Health Mission in Maharashtra.
• The UP State Medical Supplies Corporation Ltd had floated a global tender for 4 crore doses on May 7. Interested vaccine manufacturers expressed their inability to meet some of the storage and supply requirements.