COVID-19 vaccine could be ready for its administration in India in the coming few weeks and the vaccination would begin as soon as the Centre gets a go-ahead from the scientists, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday.
Addressing an all-party meeting with the state representatives to discuss the coronavirus situation, PM Modi said the pricing of the vaccine and its distribution are being discussed with the states.
Talking about India’s vaccine preparations, PM Modi said, “Experts believe we don’t have to wait for a long period to get a vaccine. It is understood that in the coming few weeks, Covid-19 vaccines will be ready. The government is waiting for a go-ahead from the scientists.”
While the steeply-priced Pfizer vaccine has already got emergency authorization from UK and vaccination there is set to start next week, PM Modi indicated that his government is likely to wait for a vaccine that is made in India.
PM Modi said the world is watching India for the cheapest and safest coronavirus vaccine.
“Our scientists are very confident of succeeding in their endeavor of making coronavirus vaccine. The world is keeping a watch on the cheapest and safe vaccine. That is why the world is watching India,” the prime minister said.
PM Modi also 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 trial, will be manufactured in India, that includes the three indigenous vaccines.
“In the first phase, healthcare workers, frontline workers and old people suffering from serious conditions would be vaccinated. We have one of the largest networks with experience in the vaccination programme,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister also added that teams of Central and state governments are working together for vaccine distribution.
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