Covaxin maker Bharat Biotech has refused to supply doses to Delhi “under instructions” from the central government, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia alleged today, accusing the Centre of controlling the supply of Covid shots and of “vaccine mismanagement”. The company said it was “disheartening” that some states were complaining about its intentions. Bharat Biotech has said it will not be able to supply vaccines to the capital citing directives of the government and limited availability, Mr Sisodia said at a digital press meet.
“The Covaxin manufacturer has, in a letter, said it cannot provide Delhi government vaccines due to unavailability, under instructions of the concerned government official. It means that the central government is controlling the supply of the vaccine,” he said. The Delhi government, Mr Sisodia said, had asked for 1.34 crore vaccine doses to vaccinate those between 18 and 44 – equal doses of Covaxin and Serum Institute of India’s Covishield. “They say that the Centre will decide who will get how much vaccine,” he told reporters.