BMC gets bids from 3 companies to procure vaccines

Mumbai: BMC has received instructions from the Global Expression of Interest (EOI) from three vaccine manufacturers to purchase vaccines.  However, the BMC EOI was extended by a week to allow companies to complete the required paperwork.  Civic body officials said all three proposals received were for the distribution of Sputnik V in Russia.

Two proposals are from Indian institutions and one is from a company registered abroad.  Officials said the guidelines would be followed and it would be the responsibility of the companies to get all the approvals from the Center as per the EOI.  So far, the price of the vaccine has not been revealed. Last week, BMC announced a global EOI to purchase 50 million vaccines (1 million doses) to speed up the vaccination drive. 

BMC is expected to spend between Rs 300 crore and Rs 700 crore on the purchase of vaccines. We received three suggestions, but all bids require more paperwork.  So the EoI was extended for a week.  All three are for Sputnik.  Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) P Velrasu said, "We will establish the relationship of these companies with the actual vaccine manufacturer and scrutinize the recommendations."  Vaccines developed by Modena, Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson will also be considered, BMC officials said.