BMC gets 4th offer to supply vaccine, for Russian made vaccine

Mumbai: BMC has received the fourth directive from vaccine makers to show global interest in buying vaccines. The fourth proposal is for the distribution of Sputnik V in Russia, officials said. BMC has so far received three proposals, all of which are Sputnik V. Three of the proposals are from Indian companies, while one is from a company registered in the UK.

Officials said the instructions would be followed and it was the responsibility of the companies to get all the approvals from the Center. BMC last week found a global EOI to buy 50 million vaccines or 1 million doses to speed up the vaccination drive. The EOI is on record 24 hours after the state received permission to purchase its vaccines.

BMC expects to spend between Rs 300 crore and Rs 700 crore on vaccines. We got the fourth suggestion. All instructions require more paperwork. So the EOI was extended by a week until May 25th. All four now belong to Sputnik. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) P Velrasu said, "We will establish the relationship of these companies with the actual vaccine manufacturer and scrutinize the proposals."

BMC has invited global manufacturers to deliver the vaccine within three weeks of placing the order. While companies around the world can provide vaccines, those who share a border with India cannot. This means that Chinese vaccine manufacturers can't participate in the process of Vaccination.