Can India afford Vaccine import costs

The answer is probably yes.

Right now Dr.Reddys have confirmed that they can provide Russia’s Sputnik V at a price of 995(948 + 5% GST). Dr.Reddys have hinted at a lower price when local supply begins.

So far, urban dwellers and upper middle class have had no problems in shelling out the cash for Covaxin(1250) or Covishield(850) from Private hospitals. 995 +any additional charges would not make any difference. In fact when I went to Apollo for my shot, they refused to accept cards and insisted on cash. Nobody even batted an eyelid.

Even daily wage workers have understood the seriousness. Our domestic help told us that she too was ok to spend money before we told her that we ll pay for her or get her a free appointment at UPHC. Last I heard, all companies worth their salt have decided to vaccinate their employees. To them, the price is absolutely nothing. Even a major player like TCS with its roughly 500000 employees will incur only 150 crores for both shots if we fix the price at 1500 per vaccine.

If J&J, Moderna, PFizer bring in vaccines at higher prices, they will be lapped by those who afford it.

For the lower income groups, this price is high for sure. But considering the alternative, which is to sell their gold, empty their life savings or lose someone close, this is nothing. It is either the vaccine or certain COVID infection. It is a sad situation, but there is no conclusive evidence that majority of Indians cannot afford this(say covishield, which is now selling for 850 per dose). The price could technically come down once a good majority are vaccinated.

For the poorest, who absolutely cannot spare any money, the Govt will have to take ownership and get things moving. It is risky and slow, but better late than never. When I went from UPHC to UPHC for my parents’ second Covaxin shot, I found people from all walks there. So if the state govt undertakes this efficiently, then nothing like it.

State Govts also could technically get the vaccines they want at any higher price or wait for Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute. It is all taxpayer money after all. Donations are also pouring in to ease the procurement.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/tamil-nadu-will-import-covid-vaccines-directly-global-tenders-soon-stalin/articleshow/82576753.cms

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/covid-19-in-tamil-nadu-zoho-contributes-rs-5-crore-to-cms-public-relief-fund/articleshow/82602740.cms

So far, it does not look like people are avoiding vaccines because of the money. It is mostly availability, yes. But People are also avoiding vaccines because of strong anti-vaccine feelings that taken root again in India.

Any such questions should not arise after doctors and medical workers have risked their lives to give out more than 17 crore shots so far. It is OK to be skeptical about new vaccines, but Covaxin and Covishield are just as safe as any other general medicine you take.