Give 10% vaccines free of cost for replacement’

Kochi: To replace vaccines nearing expiry in private hospitals, the government has put forward a condition that 10% vaccines need to be given free of cost. Though unhappy, private hospitals have to follow this instruction.

Stating conditions that need to be fulfilled for the exchange of near-to-expiry vaccines from March to May, an order by principal secretary (health) Rajan Khobragade states, “State Health Agency (SHA) shall ensure that each hospital has earmarked a minimum of 10% vaccine for CSR.”

Earlier, government had approved the exchange of 144 vials of vaccines nearing expiry in Feb 2022 from three private COVID vaccination centres (CVCs). From a vial 10 or more people can be vaccinated. They were asked to conduct free vaccination camps with 103 vials earmarked under CSR along with the district administration.

Due to decreased demand for vaccination amid drop in cases, private hospitals find it difficult to sell vaccines. Recently, as per a note submitted by the executive director of SHA, government decided to exchange near-to-expiry vaccines in March, April and May from private CVCs. As per government records, in March, 26,587 vials (2,66,450 doses) of Covishield are set to expire. Of these, 2,32,150 doses will be exchanged, 16,460 doses will be retained and hospitals will have to distribute 17,840 doses under CSR.

Meanwhile, in April, 9,456 vials (95,190 doses) will expire. Of these, private hospitals will retain 10,430 doses and 4,970 will be distributed under CSR. Government will exchange 79,790 doses. Each dose costs Rs 600 for Covishield and Rs 1,200 for Covaxin.

There are also Covaxin vials that are set to expire in private CVCs; the numbers are much lower. While in March, 35 vials of 350 doses will expire, in May 524 vials (5,240 doses) will expire. All these doses will be exchanged by the government.

The ministry of health and family welfare had informed states to consider exchange of near-to-expiry vaccines with the ones having a longer expiry date, available with the government, to stop wastage.

“Though government hasn’t provided a complete solution, the threat of loss due to expiry date is addressed for the time being. We have more time to exhaust vaccines available with us. Problem is that there are no takers for paid doses or boosters as everyone believes that COVID situation is under control and life is near-normal,” said Dr Anvar M Ali, general secretary, Kerala Private Hospitals Association.