The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHF&W) has issued new guidelines regarding the import of COVID-19 vaccine by private sector.
In a notification, MoHF&W has said, “As per guidelines on liberalised pricing and accelerated national COVID-19 vaccination strategy published by MoHF&W with effect from 1st May, 2021, the ready-to-use imported COVID vaccine would be allowed to be utilised entirely in the other-than-the Government of India-channel.”
It also said that any private entity or government-sector entity, who wants to import COVID vaccine for vaccination has to follow some procedures which are as below:
- If the vaccine is not yet approved/licensed in India, the importer/authorised agent of the manufacturer of the vaccine shall obtain the following permission/licence from CDSCO.
- New drug permission under the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019
- Import registration under the Drugs Rules, 1945
- Import licence under the Drugs Rules, 1945
- After obtaining the import licence, the importer/authorised agent can import the vaccine and anyone, including a private sector entity, can procure the vaccine from them, as per the national guidelines.
- If the vaccine to be imported is already approved and an import licence has been obtained from CDSCO, then any entity, including a private-sector entity, can procure the vaccine from the importer/licensee for its use, as per the national guidelines.
Wonderful and useful information. It is very useful for everyone in this situation, who are worried to put vaccination. Hope everything goes fine. Stay safe in home.