Hyderabad-based pharmaceutical giant Dr Reddy's Laboratories Ltd today announced that the first consignment of the Russian-made Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine, that had landed in India on May 1, had received regulatory clearance from the Central Drugs Laboratory, Kasauli, yesterday.
Following this, a limited pilot drive for the soft launch of the vaccine commenced today and its first dose was administered in Hyderabad.
Additional consignments of the imported vaccine are expected to reach Indian soil in the coming months. After this, it will be distributed by domestic manufacturing partners across different parts of the country.
Sputnik V doses are currently priced at Rs 948. An additional 5% GST is being levied on the purchase of every dose, taking the total cost of the vaccine to Rs 995.40. It is being hoped that once the mass supply of the same begins, the doses will see a price drop, making it more affordable to a larger population.
The Russian manufacturers of Sputnik V are currently working closely with six manufacturing partners in India to fulfil all the regulatory requirements and other paperwork to ensure that mass supply can be started soon.
Dr Reddy's Labs is one of the partners who will work to make the vaccine available to the Indian public. Many have lauded the company for this "reaffirmation" of its "commitment to explore every avenue in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic" in India.
Speaking about the launch, Co-Chairman and Managing Director G V Prasad said, "As India witnesses sharp spikes in its case tally each day, vaccinating people is the most effective tool to contain the spread of the disease in the country. Contributing to the vaccination drive in India is our biggest priority right now as we want to do all we can to help Indians be healthy and safe."
The launch of the Russian vaccine in Indian markets has been the cause of much happiness among the people of the state and the country after vaccine shortages
derailed immunisation drives across India.