Why India did not allow Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine?
My talk on this topic yesterday and the controversy
Kool Beens,
I did a talk yesterday that I thought was simple and non-controversial, but, there was lot of controversy. Let me share what happened:
I did the talk that India refused Pfizer vaccine because Pfizer will not run a local trial and wanted indemnification. India refused to change its laws for Pfizer. Resultantly Pfizer withdrew its application. Seemed interesting.
The controversy became that some folks reached out and stated that they felt that India did wrong by refusing this vaccine when it was needed, resulting in people's deaths during the time of this vaccine gap.
Some folks also mentioned that this narrative is Indian Govt's narrative to avoid the blame that refusing the Pfizer vaccine resulted in deaths.
Some other folks reached out and informed me that the actual reason for refusal was not the laws but the pricing of the vaccine. India wanted it for a less expensive price and Pfizer will not agree to that.
There are a number of people who loved this talk (majority liked it). Folks who liked the talk were of the opinion that India stood their ground and were on their people's side against big pharma.
At the end of the day, two opposing points of view, one looking at this decision as harmful to people and the other group looking at it as good for people.
Whatever is the reality isn't known to me in full. Still, I thought you will find it interesting to see this dichotomous opinion about India's decision.
Love
Mobeen
References:
URL list from Tuesday, Jan. 24 2023
Why India did not allow Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine - The Daily Guardian
https://thedailyguardian.com/why-india-did-not-allow-pfizers-covid-19-vaccine/
Fact Check: Did India Ban the Pfizer COVID-19 Vaccine?
https://www.newsweek.com/fact-check-india-ban-pfizer-covid-vaccine-biontech-coronavirus-1570158
Analysis: India shifts from mass vaccine exporter to importer, worrying the world | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-shifts-mass-vaccine-exporter-importer-worrying-world-2021-04-16/
Why is Pfizer’s vaccine not available in India? Demand for legal protection is a hang-up | Fortune
https://fortune.com/2021/06/10/india-covid-vaccine-pfizer-indemnity-legal-lawsuit-protection/
India govt won't buy Pfizer, Moderna vaccines amid local output -sources | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/world/india/india-govt-wont-buy-pfizer-moderna-vaccines-amid-local-output-sources-2021-09-21/
Remember India distributed Ivermectin in several regions, so maybe they recognized early on that it was a cheap and effective way to go.
I feel India did the right thing, no matter the real reason. Refusing the vaccine probably saved lives! And they already have excellent medicine available!