Can deliver coronavirus vaccine in a few months: Health Minister
What's the story
India's Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan said today that deliveries of coronavirus vaccine will happen within a few months, adding that the country's scientists are way ahead in terms of research. He was speaking on ''The Shifting Healthcare Paradigm During and Post-COVID'' at the FICCI FLO webinar. The minister said the government is actively engaged in planning the distribution of the vaccine. Here's more.
Statement
Naturally, "corona warriors" will get the vaccine first
Dr. Harsh Vardhan said the vaccine will be ready in the next three-four months. "Priority for the vaccine will be designed on the basis of scientific data. Healthcare workers and corona warriors will naturally be prioritized followed by elderly and disease-prone people," he said. He also expressed confidence that 2021 will be a better year for everyone.
Quote
An e-vaccine platform has been created, informed the minister
"A very detailed planning is underway for vaccine dissemination. An e-vaccine intelligence platform has been created to discuss the blueprint for the same. Tracking and tracing of the vaccine would be neck-deep once it's available for the public," he went on.
Janata Curfew
He called Janata Curfew a unique experiment by PM Modi
The minister also heaped praises on the Centre, saying bold steps were taken in the last few months. He called Janata Curfew, imposed on March 22, a unique experiment by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "It had nationwide participation from the citizens. The decision to impose a lockdown followed by unlocking were some bold decisions by the central government during the pandemic," he added.
Twitter Post
He is confident vaccine distribution will begin soon
Our scientists are well-ahead of others in terms of research around vaccine development. We're in a position that I can confidently tell Indians that in a couple of months from now, we should be able to deliver a vaccine: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on #COVID19 vaccine pic.twitter.com/U0nLyfgDmk
— ANI (@ANI) November 19, 2020
India's fight
India has the highest recovery rate, least fatality rate
Looking back at India's battle with the contagion, Dr. Harsh Vardhan said the nation performed exceptionally well. "We have the highest recovery rate and the least fatality rate. We have 2,115 laboratories in every nook and corner of the country for COVID-19 tests. Over 20 lakh dedicated COVID beds are in place," he said, reminding that India now exports PPE kits and N-95 masks.
Vaccines
Five vaccines could save India from the coronavirus crisis
Earlier, reports suggested India is placing its bets on five vaccines, all of which are undergoing trials. These include the one being developed by Oxford University. Russia's Sputnik V, COVAXIN of Bharat Biotech, Cadila's vaccine, and one by Biological E. NITI Aayog's Dr. VK Paul recently said these vaccines will be made available in high doses to meet India's demand.