Exploratory analysis of cost of Covid-19 vaccines in India

Abstract

This research paper presents a status analysis of the cost of Covid19 vaccines in India. The status analysis includes the cost of different vaccines and changes made by the Central government in the prices of vaccines during the pandemic. The ramping up of vaccine production and timely procurement from manufacturers was another remarkable effort by the Central government. The research paper further elaborates upon the challenges faced with respect to communication and making a larger population aware of the benefits of vaccination, commitment and responsibility of Government of India (about the vaccination program to save the lives of its citizens). Based on this research, it is concluded that India has vaccinated large part of the population, and caped the prices to an optimal level as compared to other economies, without forcing its citizens to pay for vaccines. It is also observed that even though awareness of vaccine availability, efficacy, and price among urban and semi-urban people of all age and gender was high. Moreover, the percentage of vaccination was initially low due to economic and social factors. Based on the analysis, it is suggested that the health sector (which is a part of state list) should be made a part of the concurrent list so that central government and state governments can share responsibility and fight future scenarios together more effectively.