The Indian government has taken several measures to procure COVID vaccines, both domestically and internationally, in order to ramp up the vaccination drive for its population. Here are some key measures:

• Launch of the Covid-19 Vaccination Drive: The government initiated the vaccination drive on 16th January 2021, prioritizing healthcare and frontline workers in the first phase.
• Authorization for Foreign Vaccines: The Indian government authorized the emergency use of foreign vaccines that have been approved by the US FDA, EMA, UK MHRA, PMDA Japan or which are listed in WHO's Emergency Use Listing (EUL).
• Fast-Track Approval Process: The approval process for foreign vaccines has been fast-tracked and the waiting period for regulatory clearance has been reduced to three working days from the earlier seven.
• Making Advance Payments: The government has allowed vaccine manufacturers to receive advance payments from the states to ensure timely delivery of vaccines.
• Prices for Indian and Foreign Firms: The prices for Indian and foreign vaccines vary, with Indian firms Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech selling their vaccines at Rs 150 and Rs 295 per dose, respectively. The government has capped the price of foreign vaccines at Rs 1,200 per dose for private hospitals and Rs 600 per dose for state governments.

These measures highlight the government's efforts to accelerate the vaccination process and ensure that it reaches every corner of the country regardless of affordability.