BENGALURU: Even before the Centre has started
Covid-19 vaccine supply to state governments, there have been instances of multiple ‘vaccines’ being allegedly offered or administered to high-profile individuals in exchange for bitcoins, several
doctors told TOI.
Requesting anonymity, the doctors said they have been getting calls from VIP patients, wanting to know whether these Covid-19 vaccines offered by certain dealers are genuine and can be taken.
The doctors said they could not ascertain the source, make, price, brand and authenticity of the vaccine doing the rounds in the black market. Consumption of any drug which is not allowed for sale in the country is illegal, a doctor said.
‘Govt must act against vax black marketeers’The Private Hospitals’ and Nursing Homes’ Association (Phana) confirmed the trend and advised people against accessing the vaccine through the black market.
“I received a few calls and have met people who claim they have either taken or have been offered Covid-19 vaccine by some individuals. This is scary since no Covid-19 vaccine has been approved for sale in India yet. It’s unethical to sell a drug that’s not approved for sale in the country,” a veteran doctor from Bengaluru said.
Phana president Dr HM Prasanna said he has heard that the vaccines are offered against bitcoins. “One must exercise caution (in such cases) and follow the government’s guidelines in this regard,” he added.
Doctors have raised concerns that the content of products sold in the name of Covid-19 vaccine may have nothing to do with Covid at all. “Even if one of the
Covid vaccine candidates is approved abroad, Indian citizens must wait for the government to roll out the product through the Drug Controller General of India. Those who are keen on taking the vaccine at the earliest must exercise caution, besides taking precautionary measures like using masks, maintaining physical distance and avoiding crowds which have effectively worked against Covid,” said another doctor.
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Dr R Giridhara Babu, epidemiologist and member of Technical Advisory Committee for Covid-19 management in
Karnataka, said he hasn’t come across any instances of black-marketing of the vaccine. “The government should track down black marketeers. It worsens the inequities since only those with money and power can gain access. Those taking such vaccines might be under the impression that it’s an immunity booster, but they may end up taking a useless product.”