- PM Modi asked health officials to learn from poll officials to develop a vaccine distribution strategy
- PM highlighted the use of a strong IT backbone for vaccine administration.
- Three vaccines in advanced stages of development in India – two in Phase II, one in Phase III
THD NewsDesk, New Delhi: During a meeting on October 17, PM Narendra Modi emphasized the need for a well-strategized speedy delivery mechanism for Covid vaccines. By July 2021, India’s first Covid-19 vaccine would be developed, according to Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan. Therefore, plans are in motion to establish a foolproof vaccine distribution method until the first 500 million doses of the vaccine are received.
Giving the example of poll officials who ensure the distribution of EVMs throughout India, PM Modi asked health officials to take cues from their techniques. Further, the states were issued directions to secure the standard stock and distribution registers utilized along with eVIN. To ensure an efficient delivery system, similar strategies employed by disaster management squads could be implemented.
“The Prime Minister stressed that every step in the logistics, delivery, and administration should be put in place rigorously. It must include advanced planning of cold storage chains, distribution network, monitoring mechanism, advance assessment, and preparation of ancillary equipment required, such as vials, syringes,” the statement said.
“He further directed that we should make use of the experience of the successful conduct of elections and disaster management in the country. The Prime Minister said that in a similar manner, vaccine delivery and administration systems should be put in place. This should involve the participation of States/ UTs/ District Level functionaries, civil society organisations, volunteers, citizens, and experts from all necessary domains.”
The meeting held on Saturday was attended by Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Principal Secretary to PM, Member (Health) NITI Aayog, Principal Scientific Advisor, senior scientists, and officers from the PMO as other departments. Further, the prime minister has highlighted the use of a strong IT backbone for vaccine administration. The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19 is already in touch with state governments to ideate strategies on vaccine distribution methods as soon as it is launched.
Moreover, the experts were also informed of the two pan-India studies on the genome of SARS-CoV-2 (the Covid-19 virus) in India during the meeting. The survey conducted by the ICMR and Department of Bio-Technology endorsed that no mutated form of the Covid virus has been detected in India. Addressing the meeting, the PM further notified that three vaccines are already in their advanced development stages in India. Two are in Phase II, and one is in Phase III of advance trials. According to reports, Indian scientists and research teams have partnered with Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal, and Sri Lanka to strengthen the possibility of developing an effective vaccine soon.
