The Serum Institute of India has recently signed an agreement for the supply of COVID-19 vaccines to the Indian government. The deal was finalized on January 11 and is expected to provide millions of doses to the country.

The Serum Institute of India is the world`s largest vaccine manufacturer by volume and has been at the forefront of the global fight against the pandemic. The company is currently producing the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, which has been authorized for emergency use in several countries including India.

Under the agreement, the Indian government will purchase 11 million doses of the vaccine from the Serum Institute in the initial phase. The vaccine will be provided to priority groups such as healthcare workers and frontline workers who are at a higher risk of exposure to the virus.

The vaccine will be sold at a cost of INR 200 ($2.75) per dose to the government, making it one of the most affordable vaccines available in the market. The Serum Institute has pledged to produce up to 100 million doses of the vaccine by March, in addition to the 50 to 60 million doses that are currently being produced every month.

This agreement is a significant step forward in India`s fight against the pandemic, which has already claimed over 150,000 lives in the country. The vaccine will provide a much-needed boost to the country`s healthcare system and help to prevent the spread of the virus.

In addition to the agreement with the Indian government, the Serum Institute has also partnered with several other countries to provide vaccines. The company has signed agreements with Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Brazil, among others, to provide doses of the vaccine.

Overall, the Serum Institute of India`s agreement with the Indian government is a significant milestone in the global fight against the pandemic. The company`s commitment to producing affordable vaccines at scale is a crucial step towards ensuring that everyone, regardless of their financial capabilities, has access to life-saving vaccines.