Prime Minister Narendra Modi is addressing a virtually all-party meeting with leaders of various political teams and senior union ministers to discuss the situation of the novel coronavirus pandemic in India.
Addressing the meeting, called by Modi, the prime minister said that Indian scientists are very confident of succeeding in their effort to manufacture a Covid vaccine. “The world is watching the cheapest and safest vaccine. That is why the world is looking at India,” said Prime Minister Modi.
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At the all-party meeting, Prime Minister Modi said that the country will start the Covid-19 vaccination program after experts give their approval.
On the price of the Covid-19 vaccine, Prime Minister Modi said that the central government is in talks with state governments about the price of the vaccine and that a decision will be made on the matter while keeping public health as the top priority.
‘Waiting for the coronavirus vaccine won’t be long’
Prime Minister Modi also said that experts believe that the wait for a coronavirus vaccine will not be long, it may be ready in a few weeks.
Prime Minister Modi has reportedly asked representatives of various parties to also send their suggestions in writing. “Public health will be the top priority when it comes to the price of the Covid-19 vaccine, states will be fully involved,” Prime Minister Modi said.
Meanwhile, news agency PTI They quoted government sources as saying, “The Covid-19 vaccine will be administered first to healthcare workers, then to frontline workers.”
Floor leaders from all parties in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been invited to attend the virtual meeting, which started at around 10:30 am on Friday.
Around 12 prominent political party leaders who have five or more than five MPs will speak at the meeting, according to reports.
Opposition leaders will reportedly ask the Modi government about the expected availability of the coronavirus vaccine and plans for its distribution.
This is the second meeting of all parties called by the government to discuss the Covid-19 situation since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.
Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Interior Minister Amit Shah and Health Minister Harsh Vardhan are also present at today’s meeting.
The meeting comes days after Prime Minister Modi’s visit to pharmaceutical companies in Ahmedabad, Hyderabad and Pune to review Covid-19 vaccine development work there.
With contributions from the agency
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