Pfizer CEO Albert Bourla said on Tuesday that his business is nearing final clearance from the Indian government for its Covid-19 vaccine, and that if authorised, the pharma giant will provide one billion doses to India this year.
“India went through hell with Covid-19, but the efforts are working,” Bourla remarked at the annual summit of the USA-India Chamber of Commerce. India will receive 2 billion doses, with 1 billion of them being delivered this year.
This year, we have committed to provide one billion doses of Covid-19 vaccine to low- and middle-income countries, including India. We are now in discussions with the Indian government and are nearing the end of the process of finalising this deal. To be able to import this vaccine, we must first obtain permission in India.”
“We are in a good place to get our vaccine approved in India. While the Serum Institute will continue to be the backbone of India’s vaccine plan, we hope to also contribute. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines will provide additional doses to India’s vaccination drive,” he added.
Pfizer’s CEO also stated that during the catastrophic second wave of Covid-19, the firm gave some crucial life-saving medications to India.
Pfizer is dedicated to becoming a partner in India’s fight against this disease, according to Bourla, and is working rapidly to mobilise the company’s greatest humanitarian assistance operation in its history.
Pfizer and Moderna may be granted indemnity from responsibility by the Centre to speed up vaccine approvals in India, according to reports earlier this month. According to a top health ministry official, providing indemnification to the two giants in India will be “no problem,” and the permission will be in accordance with the method adopted by the US and other nations delivering both vaccines. Indemnity protects vaccine manufacturers from legal action, ensuring that they cannot be sued in India.
Furthermore, AIIMS director Dr Randeep Guleria stated in an interview with CNN-News18 that indemnifying Pfizer and Moderna will increase Covid-19 immunisation among adults as well as children.
