The Indian partner of Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), Dr Reddy's Laboratories, has said that an imported dose of Russia's Sputnik V vaccine against the novel coronavirus will cost Rs. 995.40 in India.

Although the doses of Sputnik V which are made in India are expected to be cheaper in comparison, the imported doses of the vaccine will have a five percent GST per dose. Sputnik V was launched in India with the first dose being administered in Hyderabad earlier today. "As part of a limited pilot, the soft launch of the vaccine has commenced and the first dose of the vaccine was administered in Hyderabad today on May 14, 2021. The imported doses of the vaccine are presently priced at an MRP of Rs 948 + 5% GST per dose, with the possibility of a lower price point when local supply begins. The company is working closely with its six manufacturing partners in India to fulfill regulatory requirements to ensure smooth and timely supply."

"Dr Reddy's will work closely with stakeholders in the government and private sector in India to ensure the widest possible reach of the Sputnik V vaccine as part of the national inoculation effort," the company added in its statement. Meanwhile, G V Prasad, Dr Reddy's co-chairman & managing director, said, "With the rising cases in India, vaccination is our most effective tool in our battle against Covid-19. Contributing to the vaccination drive in India is our biggest priority right now to help Indians be healthy and safe." Sputnik V, which has an efficacy of 91.6 percent, is the third vaccine to be approved in India after Covishield and Covaxin.

First doses of #SputnikV administered in India. On the picture Deepak Sapra, Global Head of Custom Pharma Services at @drreddys Laboratories is getting a shot of Sputnik V in Hyderabad. ✌️ pic.twitter.com/iBbTeB2DmT

— Sputnik V (@sputnikvaccine) May 14, 2021