Good news comes amid the second wave of coronaviruses. The government may waive 10% customs duty on the import of a vaccine. A senior government official says that private companies can also be allowed to import the vaccine.
If the government takes these decisions, then it will be easy to provide adequate dose of vaccine in the country. The government has approved the import of Russia’s Sputnik-V vaccine. This vaccine may come to India soon. In addition, Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson have also been asked to send their vaccines.
An official told Reuters on condition of anonymity that the government is considering approving the import of the vaccine to private companies as well. These companies will be able to sell this vaccine in the open market and the government will not interfere in it. These companies can be allowed to fix the price of the vaccine. The government currently controls the purchase and sale of the Kovid-19 vaccine in the country.
Imports duty to be levied by 20% in Asian countries
Currently, many Asian countries are levying import duty of up to 10% -20% on vaccine imports. It includes countries like Nepal and Pakistan. Apart from this, the Latin American countries Argentina and Brazil are also charging import duty of up to 20% on the import of Kovid vaccine. Basic custom duty on import of Kovid vaccine in India is 10%. It is charged at 10% Social Welfare Surcharge and 5% IGST.
Government gave 4500 crores to buy vaccine
The Center has made a payment of Rs 4500 crore to purchase the vaccine. 3000 crore rupees have been given to Serum Institute of India and 1500 crore rupees to Bharat Biotech. This money has been given as an advance for the supply of vaccine for two-three months. Earlier there were reports that the government has given grants to vaccine manufacturing companies.
Everyone will get corona vaccine from May 1
The government has also made a big announcement on vaccination. From May 1, everyone over the age of 18 will be able to get the vaccine. The government has also decided that the companies making the vaccine will supply 50% of their supplies to the center. They can supply the remaining 50% to state governments or sell it in the open market. Registration through COVIN will be required for vaccination as before. In order to ensure that there is no shortage of vaccines, the State Governments have been given powers to purchase vaccines directly from companies.
IOCL-BPCL to provide free oxygen to the most affected states
State-run oil companies Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) will provide free oxygen to the badly affected states of Kovid. IOCL has started supplying 150 tonnes of oxygen to hospitals in Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. BPCL has started giving 100 tonnes of oxygen free of cost to the hospitals every month.
More than 2.50 lakh patients found for the third consecutive day
More than 2.50 lakh new patients were found on Monday for the third consecutive day. However, the good thing is that it has registered a decline as compared to Sunday. Within the last 24 hours, 2 lakh 56 thousand 828 people were found infected in the country. More than 1.75 lakh people were found positive on Sunday. For the first time, a record 1 lakh 54 thousand 234 people were also cured. Earlier, 1.43 lakh people were recovered on a single day on 18 April.
