Centre should float common global tender for vaccines on states' behalf: Rajesh Tope

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope. File Pic

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Thursday demanded that the Union government float a single global tender of coronavirus vaccines on behalf of all the states to avoid "unhealthy competition".

Apart from Maharashtra, six other states which include Delhi, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh have decided to float global tenders to procure Covid-19 vaccines.

He made the suggestion during a video conference between Union health minister Harsh Vardhan and his counterparts from six states which have been severely affected by the pandemic, Tope told reporters here.

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"If every state starts floating global tender, vaccine manufacturers will benefit. The Union government should review the total vaccine requirement in the country and float a common tender," he said.

"There should not be any unhealthy competition between states...It would not look good," Tope added.

The Centre last month asked the states to buy vaccines directly from the market for the inoculation of people in the 18-44 years age group. It will buy 50 percent production of Indian vaccine manufacturers and distribute it to states for inoculation of the above 45 age group, the Centre said.

(with inputs from mid-day online correspondent)