Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday told an all-party meeting that Indian manufacturers would be able to produce the much-awaited COVID-19 vaccine within the next few weeks.
Considering the high-prices attached to the vaccines developed by US-based companies Moderna and Pfizer, Modi indicated that India will use the indigenously made vaccines that will be cheap but effective.
Talking about India’s vaccine preparations, the Prime Minister said, “Experts believe we don’t have to wait for a long period to get a vaccine. It is understood that in next few weeks, COVID-19 vaccines will be ready. The government is waiting for a go-ahead from the scientists.”
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The UK gave emergency go-ahead to the steeply-priced Pfizer vaccine earlier this week, with plans to start vaccination next week. Modi, however, indicated that his government will wait for a vaccine that is made in India.
“The world is looking at a cheap but effective vaccine against COVID-19. The world is looking at India. You can be assured our scientists are working hard. Eight COVID-19 vaccines are at different stages of preparedness in India. This includes the three Indian vaccines that are at different stages of trials.”
Adding that teams of Central and state governments are working together for vaccine distribution, the PM laid down the principles of vaccine administration in India.
“The first priority would be given to healthcare workers, frontline workers and old people with comorbidities.”
The expansive network of India’s long-standing universal immunisation programme will provide the crucial logistical support for the government for administering COVID-19 vaccines next year. “We have a large and experienced network in vaccination. We will fully use it,” Modi said.