Covid-19 Vaccine to be Made Free of Cost for the People of India Centre Raises Hopes
The Corona Virus pandemic has assaulted not only the health of the people but had an impact on the economy as well, which in turn has led to further stress on people’s livelihood. This unprecedented threat to the public health has not been constrained by measures taken by the central and state governments. The entire world has been waiting eagerly for a Covid-19 vaccine that can bring back life to normal. The science and government together has been working tirelessly to bring back life to normal by developing a vaccine which can provide protection against the infectious Corona Virus.
Given the huge impact the vaccine will have on the public health, it is expected that the government will try its best to make the vaccine atleast affordable if not free of cost for the common people, although various state government such as Kerela have already announced that the people will be vaccinated free of cost, the Union Health minister have also assured to make the vaccine free or atleast affordable enough so that everyone can be vaccinated.
Dr. Rahul Pandit, the director critical care of Fortis Hospitals, Mumbai who is also the member of the Maharashtra’s Covid-19 task force, said that “We have begun the new year on an extremely positive note as we get ready for the historic COVID19 vaccine roll out. Serum Institute of India and Oxford-AstraZeneca have received the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for the COVID19 vaccine from the Subject Expert Committee (SEC). Their recommendation has been sent to Drugs Controller General of India with conditions, for approval, the final nod is awaited.
He also added that, “This is a big step for India. Vaccinating such a huge population in a diverse geography is a challenge, but we have a strong national Pediatric Immunization Program in place, its amalgamation with our robust election progress will help with the vaccine deployment.”
Making the vaccine free of cost depends on various factors such as the cost of manufacturing the vaccine, the cost of the supply chain and the cost of administering the vaccine. For instance, the nuclei acid based vaccine needs to be stored at sub-zero temperature which is costly to store as well as transport. The Serum Institute of India will be selling the vaccine to the government at the cost of three dollars per dose, if India was to be buying vaccines at this rate it will approximately cost Rs 50,000/- there is also the distribution cost, transportation cost, etc.
However, making the vaccine available free of cost for Indians is a huge step taken by the government. It gives us the much need boost in confidence, healthcare leaders such as Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan strongly advocated for the vaccine, and assured people that the vaccine has gone through rigorous efficacy checks, and is absolutely safe to take, according to Dr. Rahul Pandit.
