PRIVATE SECTOR LOBBIES GOVT TO ALLOW JAB SALE IN OPEN MARKET

NEW DELHI: The private healthcare industry wants the government to allow the sale of covid-19 vaccines in the open market with strict price control, citing India’s slow rate of vaccination.

This follows an agreement to support the vaccination programme under a public-private partnership (PPP) model at a nominal fee. Last week, stakeholders from the private sector reached out to health minister Harsh Vardhan, telling him how the US has been able to ramp up vaccination despite making similar beginnings as India.

They pointed out that the US began vaccination on December 10 and took 27 days to administer the first seven million doses— similar to India, which began on January 16 and took 26 days.

However, since then, the US has averaged more than a million doses per day, whereas India has managed only 250,000 doses per day. Hesitancy among healthcare and other frontline workers is thought to have slowed down India’s pace.

“This should not retard our effort to vaccinate the rest of the population. It is, therefore, time that we fast-track bringing in the 50+ group. Private sector hospitals should be roped in full capacity in the drive,” said Girdhar J. Gyani, director general, Association of Healthcare Providers (India), which has submitted a proposal to the Centre.

“Government may also consider facilitating paid vaccinations by those who can afford it, without compromising any sections of society,” he said.

In a similar vein, the highlevel task force on covid vaccines constituted by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said opening up the market will also help address the concern that vaccines could be administered after their expiry date. It recommends that all stakeholders ensure that all the vaccines available in the country are utilized and well before their expiry.