Amidst change in prices of COVID vaccine, the Apex Court asked the Centre to give an explanation regarding the pricing policy. The Supreme Court suo moto took up the case on this issue relating to COVID-19.
The bench directed the Central Government to appear before it with an affidavit and explain the basis depending upon which the price of vaccine is determined.
This issue arose after the vaccine manufacturers declared the prices at which they would be selling their vaccines to the state government and the private hospitals. It is important to note that Indian government’s vaccination policy allows the private vaccine manufacturers to set the prices themselves.
Serum Institute of India, which manufactures Covishield, decided to sell its vaccines to state government @ of Rs. 400/dose and to private hospitals @ Rs. 600/dose. Bharat Biotech, which is producing Covaxin, decided to sell it to state government @ Rs. 600/dose and to private hospitals @ Rs. 1200/dose.
The bench in the instant case, In Re Distribution of Essential Supplies and Service During Pandemic, expressed its concerns regarding the different prices charged by different manufacturers of vaccine.
The bench referred to the powers of Centre enshrined under the Drugs Control Act and the Patents Act. The bench stated that central government’s power relating to price control and compulsory licensing need to be invoked during the pandemic.
The bench observed that the current situation is no less than a national crisis and the Centre must exercise its power in order to curb the difficulties.
Apart from these, the bench also asked the Centre to explain its plan of meeting the vaccine requirements May 1 onwards, as vaccination would be open for the individuals aged between 18-45 years.
The bench fixed the next date of hearing on April 30.
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