Bangladesh to pay same price or lower than India for Oxford vaccine: Papon

According to the agreement the government made with Serum Institute, Bangladesh will get the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine at the same price India would pay, said Beximco Pharmaceutical Limited Managing Director Nazmul Hasan Papon.  

"If India purchases the vaccine at a lower price, Bangladesh will pay the same. Besides, Bangladesh will still pay lower if India buys it at a higher price," he said while addressing a press briefing on the coronavirus vaccine at his residence on Sunday night. 

Papon said the cost for each dose of the vaccine is going to be around $3 for the Indian government. Bangladesh will also buy it with the same price. 

However, if India buys it for more than $4, Bangladesh will not buy at that price. Bangladesh will buy for $3 to $4, said the Beximco top official, noting that such a historic agreement had never been reached before.

"The government has asked us to reach the vaccine in 64 districts across the country. We will hand over the vaccines to the civil surgeons of every districts. We will deliver it wherever the government asks for," Papon added. 

He further explained that Beximco is playing the role of a distributor in the agreement the Bangladesh government signed with Serum Institute. Beximco will get $1 as commission from the Bangladesh government by bringing in the vaccine to the country. Beximco has to bear the responsibility if any dose of vaccine gets spoiled during the shipment. 

However, Beximco will not have any liability for any possible side effects of the vaccine. The government will bear the cost of treatment if anyone develops any side effect.