Bharat Biotech, which is at the centre of corruption allegations over the Bolsonaro government's signing of Covaxin deal with it in Brazil, on Wednesday stated that a step-by-step approach was followed in all stages of procurement. "In the case of procurement of COVAXIN by Brazil, a step-by-step approach followed towards contracts, and regulatory approvals, during an 8-month-long process. Emergency Use Authorizations received on June 4, 2021. As of Jun 29, we haven't received any advance payments nor supplied vaccines to Brazil," Bharat Biotech said in a press statement.
The statement comes soon after it emerged that the Brazilian government, which
agreed to purchase 20 million doses of Covaxin, on Wednesday announced suspension of the contract following allegations of irregularities in the deal.
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The company added that the pricing of COVAXIN was clearly established between $15-20 per dose for supplies to governments outside India. The pricing for Brazil had also been indicated at $ 5 per dose, Bharat Biotech stated.
"COVAXIN has now received Emergency Use Authorizations in 16 countries, including, Brazil, India, Philippines, Iran, Mexico, etc... EUAs in process in 50 countries worldwide," Bharat Biotech added.
Brazilian prosecutors are probing the deal, signed in February, citing its high prices, rapid negotiations and pending regulatory approvals. A group of senators have demanded that Bolsonaro be probed over the matter for allegedly failing to act after he was informed about the irregularities.
