Three bids have been received from RDIF, Russia’s scientific institute, for the supply of corona vaccine to Mumbai. Russia has prepared Sputnik Covid Vaccine, which has also been approved for emergency use in India. Its vaccination has also started.
RDIF has bid for the supply of Covid vaccine in Mumbai at a time when the Punjab and Delhi governments say that private companies have refused to supply them the Corona vaccine.
Government sources have given information. BMC had issued a global tender of one crore doses earlier this month. The tender was released on 11 May by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.
States are now making efforts to supply vaccines under the country’s new vaccination policy. States have been approved to purchase vaccines directly from vaccine manufacturer companies.
The last date for bidding came to an end on 25 May. Sources say that out of the three bids received so far, one has been given directly by Russian Direct Investment Fund. While two other bids have been made by independent representatives of the companies.
Sources in the government said, “The legal, technical and financial aspects of these tenders for the supply of vaccine with the Maharashtra government will be considered in the next two weeks after the deadline.” RDIF or its representatives are ready to supply 10 million doses in 60 days. If this is the Sputnik V supply agreement, it will be a separate direct agreement with Dr. Reddy’s Lab, the manufacturer of the vaccine.
