The Serum Institute of India (SII) has fixed the Covishield vaccine price as Rs 150/- for the Central Government and Rs 400/- for the State Governments, per dose. This inconsistency in vaccine price is an area of concern. Due to the introduction of the GST, the States are lagging behind in revenue collection already. Further, the Governments of the States will have a difficult challenge in procuring vaccines, as their coffers are not in a good shape. It shall be prudent for the entire vaccination programme to be entirely subsidized by the Union Government at least on a 60%-40% ratio basis, with the Centre bearing the 60% cost and the State being burdened only by 40%.
