On Sunday, the central government released guidelines for the administration of the third dose of Covid vaccination for the 18+ population across the country. But cases of over-charging and confusion impaired the rollout while some private centers awaited clarity on the issue. The Health Ministry announced that the booster dose will be available to all adults at a revised cost of Rs 225 at private vaccination centers. Consequently, Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India announced that private hospitals should administer the jabs at the revised rate effective from April 10, 2022.

Both Companies assured the government that sufficient stocks of Covishield and Covaxin are available to meet the demands of the country. Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech briefed that the price differentiation shall be compensated in the form of cost-free doses and additional doses respectively. 

In Delhi, several centers were found overcharging the jabs and the situation was resolved after the manufacturer’s directive looked into the cases. MGM Healthcare, Chennai stated that they waited for clarification on the matter and kept the vaccine registration closed on Sunday. Also, Apollo Hospital, Indraprastha started its vaccination drive on April 11, 2022, and stated that vaccinations will be administered at rates as per government directives. (Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/covid-19-precaution-jab-hit-by-price-confusion/article65309437.ece )