Eight potential vaccines are in different stages of trial in India: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the All Party Meeting on December 4 via video conferencing to discuss the Covid-19 vaccination strategy in India. The Prime Minister said that the government is developing a comprehensive vaccination strategy.

He emphasized that the world is looking towards India for the development of a safe and affordable vaccine.

The Prime Minister shared his experience of visiting the vaccine manufacturing facilities in Ahmedabad, Pune, and Hyderabad, informing that about eight potential vaccines, currently in different stages of the trial, will be manufactured in India, which includes the three indigenous vaccines.

The Prime Minister said that it is expected that the vaccine will be available in the coming few weeks. The vaccination campaign will kickstart in India as soon as the vaccine is approved by the scientists. The Central government is working in close coordination with the State governments to identify the priority groups for vaccination.

Underlining India's vaccine distribution expertise, capacity, and presence of an experienced and vast network for vaccination, the Prime Minister said that this will help us in streamlining Covid vaccination.

Collaboration with State Governments will be established for additional cold chain equipment and other such logistical requirements.

A National Expert Group that includes technical experts and officials of both the Central Government and State Governments, has been constituted to shoulder the responsibility of the campaign related to the vaccine. The National Expert Group will take decisions collectively as per national and regional requirements.

The Prime Minister mentioned that Indians have fought this pandemic with an indomitable will, noting that the restraint, courage, and strength of Indians has been incomparable and unprecedented during this entire battle.

He added that we not only helped our fellow Indians but also made every effort to save the citizens of other countries as well. Also, the scientific methodology adopted by India led to increased testing in India, which not only reduced the positivity rate but also reduced the covid mortality rate.