Adar Poonawalla has sought indemnity protection for COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer Serum Institute.

Sources confirm that the Serum Institute of India is seeking indemnity for all the vaccine manufacturers in India.

Sources confirm that the Serum Institute of India is seeking indemnity for all the vaccine manufacturers in India.India uses two COVID-19 vaccines, namely Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech's Covaxin. Russia's Sputnik V is also approved for use in India. As the government is looking to ramp up the vaccination drive, other approved foreign vaccine manufacturers are willing to make an entry into the Indian market including Pfizer and Moderna.

However, the two foreign companies have sought legal protection against any liabilities before starting the supply of vaccines. Earlier in 2020, SII's Adar Poonawalla had demanded indemnity for all vaccine manufacturers.

Amid discussions over legal protection to foreign vaccine manufacturers, sources confirm that SII has made a similar demand. They say that if foreign companies get legal protection, then all vaccine manufacturers in India should get the same. The demand is being considered by the central government and a final decision has not yet been taken.