It can be good news for Mumbaikars who have been waiting for their jab of the vaccine in the 18-44 years category. In response to MCGM’s Global Expression of Interest for procurement of 1 crore vaccine doses, 8 bids have been received till date. BMC had invited bids for the vaccines first on May 12 but had failed to receive any bids and hence had increased the bidding date till May 25.

Out of the 8 bids which have been received by MCGM. One bid is for Pfizer/Astra Zeneca and the remaining 7 bids are for Sputnik.

The time period has been extended by one week to enable the various bidders to submit a complete set of documents in support of the bids as prescribed under MCGM’s Global Expression of Interest. If in the given time more bidders find their way, the new bids will also be entertained.

The bids received by MCGM are not only good news for the city of Mumbai but also for the country as many states currently are looking to float global tenders for vaccines.

States like Punjab, Delhi, Maharashtra have received no bids so far of the global tender floated by them. In fact, many have gone ahead and asked the central govt to procure vaccines for them. At this time the fact that MCGM has received 8 bids can encourage micro bidding for many other local bodies.

The idea behind a separate tender for Mumbai was an experiment to see if smaller tenders can be entertained by vaccine manufacturers.