Pfizer is in the final stages of an agreement with the Indian government to supply Covid-19 vaccines to the country, CEO Albert Bourla said on Tuesday.
Speaking at the 15th edition of the India-US Bio Pharma and Healthcare Summit which was organised by the US-India Chamber of Commerce, Bourla also disclosed that the US pharma giant has made a specific plan for mid- and low-income countries. These nations that include India, will receive at least two billion of such doses, of which one billion will be supplied in the current calendar year.
His statements come at a time the government is looking to speed up the vaccination process in the country.
Pfizer has reportedly sought indemnity protection against prosecution or lawsuits arising from any adverse effects for people taking its vaccine.
“My hope is that very soon we will finalise the approval of the product by the Indian health care authorities and the agreement with the government so that we can also start sending vaccines, on our side,” Bourla said.
He, however, added that a significant local manufacturing of vaccines being done at the Serum Institute of India will provide the “backbone of vaccinating” in the country.
