PM Narendra Modi reviewed the research and vaccine deployment ecosystem against the COVID-19 pandemic

As India moved closer to phase-3 trials of the COVID-19 vaccine, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today took stock of the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s distribution and delivery mechanism including procurement, bulk-stockpiling, filling vials for distribution and delivery.

PM Modi reviewed the research and vaccine deployment ecosystem against the COVID-19 pandemic including testing technologies, contact tracing, drugs and therapeutics among others.

During the meeting, PM Modi lauded the efforts made by the Indian vaccine developers and manufacturers citing their commitment to rise to the COVID-19 challenge, and continue government facilitation and support for all such efforts.

Underlining the importance of testing, PM Modi said that both sero-surveys and testing must be scaled up. He also advised the health ministry to create a facility for regular, fast and inexpensive testing.

PM Modi reiterated the country’s resolve to provide cost effective, easily available and scalable solutions for testing, vaccine and medication, not only for India but for the entire world.

Lauding the AYUSH Ministry for conducting evidence-based research on the disease, PM Modi underlined the need for a continuous and rigorous scientific testing and validation of traditional medicine treatments.

The meeting was attended by Union Health Minister Shri Harsh Vardhan; Member (Health), NITI Aayog; Principal Scientific Advisor; senior scientists; and other officials.

Meanwhile, India is expecting the results of the phase-2 trials of the two indigenous vaccine candidates Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin and Cadila Health’s ZyCovD by early November.

Similarly, the phase-3 trials of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine candidate which is being produced by the British company and Serum Institute of India will also become clear by November end or December this year.

Dr Harsh Vardhan had on Tuesday, hinted on the availability of a vaccine in India by early 2021.