BMC going to spend Rs 300 crore to Rs 700 crore on vaccines

Mumbai: BMC is trying to spend between Rs 300 crore and Rs 700 crore to buy vaccines. Although no amount has been earmarked for the purchase of one-crore doses, BMC officials said the vaccines will cost the civil body between Rs 300 crore and Rs 700 crore, depending on whether domestic or international manufacturers are participating in its EOI.

This is an open EOI, so anyone can bid. Once we have received the suggestions we will check the rationale of the prices and proceed with the order. 300 crore to 700 crores. Additional Municipal Commissioner (Projects) P Velarasu said that once the bids are received, we will have to study the offers. BMC will not sink into its contingency funds or buy fixed deposits to buy vaccines. FDs are for the specific needs of employees' pensions and basic projects and action plans.

"We will have an internal reshuffle of funds in the current budget," Velrasu said. This year, BMC will have a capital expenditure of Rs 18,750 crore and will raise money for vaccines from this expenditure. Velrasu said the proposals would be reviewed and placed before the standing committee, as will regular purchases. If BMC vaccines are procured from Indian manufacturers such as Serum Institute of India (SII) or Bharat Biotech, the vaccines will cost around Rs 300 crore, officials said.

If they buy from international vaccine manufacturers like Pfizer, the cost could be as high as Rs 700 crore. Sources said that Pfizer and Modena have already placed orders and only a few doses are left. J&J is expected to deliver in the fourth quarter. Pfizer in the US costs $ 19.50 per dose, requiring two doses per person. Modena costs $ 25- $ 37 per dose. The J&J price is $ 10 per dose, requiring only one shot per person. Sputnik Vic costs $ 10 a dose and requires two doses per person.