Vaccine Manufacturers Have Taken Financial Risk, Statutory Provisions Should Be Last Resort: Centre Tells SC

The Central government in its submissions before the Supreme Court has defended the vaccine pricing mechanisms employed by Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers by stating that both Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India have taken a financial risk in manufacturing vaccines, thus it is prudent to take a decision on pricing via negotiations and save statutory provisions as a last resort, Live Law has reported.

"Centre says both vaccine manufactures (SII & Bharat Biotech) have taken financial risk in manufacturing vaccines. So, it is prudent to take decisions on pricing through negotiations, keeping statutory provisions as a last resort.", the centre has submitted before the apex court.

The centre adds that the pricing factor of the vaccines will not have an impact on the beneficiaries as all the states have declared their intent to inoculate beneficiaries free of cost.

On the topic of differential pricing centre has stated that incentivising private manufacturers will result in more pharma companies entering the market, which will leader to greater production and lower prices. The submission adds that it has been ensured that the two vaccine manufacturers are not unduly enriched out of the public's money.

The centre has also argued that the current vaccination policy is based on expert advise and deliberations at the highest executive level and no interference is called for in a judicial proceeding.

"No interference by this Hon’ble Court as while dealing with a pandemic of this magnitude, the Executive does have a room for free play in the joints, in larger public interest", the affidavit states.