Serum Institute of India's CEO Adar Poonawalla on Wednesday announced that its Covid-19 vaccine candidate Covishield's' price for states have been reduced from ₹400 to ₹300 with immediate effect as a "philanthropic gesture."
Taking to Twitter, Poonawalla said, "As a philanthropic gesture on behalf of @SerumInstIndia, I hereby reduce the price to the states from Rs.400 to Rs.300 per dose, effective immediately; this will save thousands of crores of state funds going forward. This will enable more vaccinations and save countless lives."
Earlier, the Serum Institute of India (SII) fixed the prices of Covishield vaccine at Rs 400 per dose for state governments and Rs 600 per dose for private hospitals.
The announcement has been made by SII ahead of May 1, when COVID-19 vaccine shots will be opened for everyone above 18 years.