The meeting was attended by the Union’s health minister, Harsh Vardhan, and other senior officials.
In some quarters, there were concerns that any major mutation detected in the new coronavirus could hamper the development of an effective vaccine.
Mutation generally refers to the property of a virus to undergo changes when it multiplies and the virus can develop some new strains after replicating. In some cases, newer strains tend to be less effective and therefore die early, while more powerful strains can lead to faster spread of the virus.
In response to a query about SARS-COV2 mutations, ICMR Director General Dr. Balram Bhargava told a news conference earlier this week that minor changes called “drift” can occur from time to time, but important virus genetic mutations or “changes”. “It can happen in a decade or two.
At the review meeting, the prime minister called for quick access to the vaccine, once it is ready, and the development of a delivery system on the election lines, involving all levels of governments and citizen groups. .
PM Modi ordered that every step in logistics, delivery, and administration must be rigorously implemented. It should include advanced planning of cold storage chains, distribution network, monitoring mechanism, prior evaluation and preparation of necessary auxiliary equipment such as veils, syringes, etc.
PM Modi also emphasized the participation of states and UT, and district level officials, civil society organizations, volunteers, citizens and experts from all necessary domains in the vaccine distribution process. The process must have a strong IT backbone, and the system must be designed in a way that contributes lasting value to our healthcare system.
The National Covid-19 Vaccine Administration Expert Group (NEGVAC), in consultation with state governments and all relevant stakeholders, has prepared and submitted a detailed vaccine storage, distribution and administration plan.
Indian scientists and research teams are collaborating and strengthening research capacities in neighboring countries such as Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka, he added.
Prime Minister Modi noted the steady decline in daily Covid cases and concluded by warning against complacency at the decline and continuing efforts to contain the pandemic. He insisted on continuous social distancing, appropriate Covid behavior such as wearing the mask, washing hands regularly, hygiene, etc., especially in the wake of the upcoming festival season.
(With inputs from agencies)
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