New Delhi: Coronavirus vaccine could be ready for its administration in India in a few weeks and the vaccination would begin as soon as the Centre gets a go-ahead from the scientists, PM Narendra Modi said on Friday. Addressing an all-party meeting with the state representatives to discuss the coronavirus situation, PM Narendra Modi said the pricing of the coronavirus vaccine and its distribution are being discussed with the states.
PM Modi also maintained that the priority would be given to the frontline workers who have been at the forefront of the fight against the infection.
PM Narendra Modi said the storage logistics of the coronavirus vaccine is being looked into. Earlier, PM Narendra Modi had asked the states to start working on cold storage facilities as Pfizer’s coronavirus vaccine, which is 95 per cent effective in preventing the disease, needs to be kept at minus 70 degrees Celsius. Many big cities across the world lack facilities for cold storage of vaccines at this low temperature.
“With the help from state governments, other needed cold chain storages and logistical support are being measured. Special software has also been developed for vaccine stock and real-time information,” PM Modi said.
“Nearly eight vaccines are on other stages of trial with their manufacturing assured in India. Three coronavirus vaccines from India are at different stages. Experts think that the vaccine isn’t too far away. In the next few weeks, a coronavirus vaccine could be ready for India,” PM Narendra Modi said.
Hailing the work being done in India to develop a coronavirus vaccine, PM Narendra 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.”
“In the first phase, healthcare workers, frontline workers and old people suffering from serious conditions would be vaccinated. We’ve one of the largest networks with experience in the vaccination programme,” PM Narendra Modi said.
PM Modi said, “The teams of the Central and the state governments are working together for vaccine distribution. India has the expertise and capacity in vaccine distribution and fares better compared to other nations. We have a very big & experienced network in the field of vaccination. We will fully exploit it.”
At least 12 leaders from prominent political parties, including Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad, Trinamool Congress’s Sudip Bandyopadhyay and NCP’s Sharad Pawar attended the meeting with PM Narendra Modi.
