No decision on indemnity to vax makers yet: Centre

No decision on granting indemnity to any foreign or Indian COVID vaccine-manufactures has been taken yet, the government said Friday, underlining these decisions are to be taken “in the interest of nation and people”.

NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul’s statement came over the issue of offering indemnity to Indian COVID-19 vaccine-manufacturers.He said the issue has come up in the context of foreign companies, specifically Pfizer, and that the government is engaging with the US pharma major and others making such a demand.

“In principle, they (foreign manufacturers) expect indemnity to be given. This is what they have said has been the case all over the world. We have also checked with other countries and the World Health Organization.

“Yes, indeed they have supplied vaccines only after such indemnities have been given. This appears to be the fact. Particular companies have requested and we are in negotiation with them but there is no decision at the moment,” Paul told a press conference here in response to a question. Domestic vaccine major Serum Institute of India has also sought indemnity from liability for its COVID-19 vaccines, saying the rules should be same for all the companies, sources have said.“On the issue of indemnity for local manufacturers who have done such a great patriotic service, the government has a watch but there is no decision. These decisions are to be taken in totality in the interest of nation and in the interest of people,” Paul said. Asked if Pfizer vaccine, when available in India, will be considered for children between the age of 12 and 15 years as the UK has approved it for this category, Paul said India is readying its own vaccines for children.