Bharat Biotech fixes price of Covaxin at Rs 600 for states, Rs 1,200 for pvt hospitals

Bharat Biotech has priced its Covid vaccine Covaxin at Rs 600 per dose for state governments and Rs 1200 per dose for private hospitals.

The company has priced it at $15-$20 per dose for the export market. Bharat Biotech said it has already supplied 50% of its commitment to the Central government at Rs 150 per dose.

The price of Covaxin is Rs 200 higher than Serum Institute of India's Covisheild for public market and double the price for private market. Bharat Biotech said the reason for the high price is because the vaccine is inactivated and highly purified making it low yeild.

The company is also betting on the safety profile of the vaccine as its unique selling point. From May 1, India's vaccination is open for all adults above age of 18. The central government has asked state governments to procure doses and also allowed private market to procure vaccines.