Prime
Minister Narendra Modi held a meeting to review the preparedness of
Covid-19 vaccine delivery, distribution and administration. During the
meeting yesterday, the Prime Minister appreciated the efforts of
innovators, scientists, academicians and pharma-companies in their
efforts to develop vaccines and directed that every effort should be
made to facilitate the research, development and manufacturing of the
vaccine.
Five vaccines are in advanced stages of development in
India, out of which four are in Phase II or III and one is in Phase-I or
II. Countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, Qatar, Bhutan, Switzerland,
Bahrain, Austria and South Korea have shown keen interest in partnering
for vaccine development of Indian vaccines and use thereof.
In an
effort to administer the vaccine at the first available opportunity,
database of healthcare and frontline workers, augmentation of cold
chains and procurement of syringes and needles are in advanced stages of
preparation.
The vaccination supply chain is being enhanced and
non-vaccine supplies are being escalated. Medical and nursing students
and faculty will be involved in training and implementation of the
vaccination programme. Every step is being steadily put in place to
ensure that vaccines reach every location and person according to the
prioritisation principles.
The Prime Minister has directed to work in
collaboration with all reputed national and international institutions
and regulators to ensure the rigour and highest global standards in
Indian research and manufacturing.
National Expert Group on Vaccine
Administration for Covid-19 in consultation with State Governments and
all relevant stakeholders have accelerated the implementation of
vaccination of priority groups in first phase.
The digital platform
for vaccine administration and distribution is prepared and test runs
underway in partnership with the State and District Level stakeholders.
The
Prime Minister reviewed the aspects of emergency use authorisation and
for manufacture and procurement of medicine. As the results of these
Phase III trials from national and international vaccines arrive,
country's robust and independent regulators will speedily and rigorously
examine these for according authorisation for use.The Government
has provided assistance of 900 crore rupees under Covid Suraksha Mission
to support Research and Development of Covid-19 vaccination.Mr Modi
directed that a time-bound plan be laid out for speedy regulatory
clearances and timely procurement for early rollout of the vaccination
drive.
The Prime Minister appreciated comprehensive efforts at
vaccine development. He also emphasised that given the persisting
pandemic scenario there is no place for any relaxation in preventive
measures such as wearing masks, keeping distance and ensuring hygiene.
The
meeting was attended by Principal Secretary to Prime Minister, Cabinet
Secretary, Member (Health) NITI Aayog, Principal Scientific Advisor,
Secretary Health, DG ICMR, officers of PMO, and Secretaries of related
Departments of Government of India.
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