‘First Doses To Be Available In A Few Weeks’: PM Modi Outlines Covid-19 Vaccine Rollout And Distribution Strategy

Speaking at the all-party meeting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has revealed that the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine will be available in a few weeks, Times of India reports.

He explained that deliberations will be held with state governments and henceforth the cost of the vaccine will be decided by keeping in mind the public health interest. Cautioning against hesitancy over vaccine amongst the general public, the PM asked political leaders to clarify unsubstantiated rumours over the issue.

“India has vaccine distribution expertise and capacity. We are far better than several other countries in this regard. We have a vast and experienced vaccination network and the country will capitalise on these advantage,” Modi was quoted by TOI.

He added, “India has developed a special software, Covin, in which beneficiaries of vaccine, and real-time information about availability and storage of the vaccine will be available. A special task force has been constituted for vaccine research with technical experts, officials from ministries concerned and officers from each zone.”

The Prime Minister disclosed that eight vaccines that are on the developmental stage will be manufactured in India. He claimed that the good outcomes in terms of the control of disease, lower mortalities and treatment attained in India, was a result of an approach that is driven scientifically and through expert advice. The same process will be persisted in future and the health, frontline workers along with the elderly people will be the first beneficiaries of the vaccine.

“We not only helped our fellow Indians but also made every effort to save citizens of other countries as well. Also, the scientific methodology adopted by India led to increased testing in India, which not only reduced the positivity rate but also reduced the Covid mortality rate,” Prime Minister Modi further said.