NEW DELHI: Following the surge in Covid cases, the government said Thursday that while India does not prohibit the export of vaccines, unlike many other countries, it may be necessary to “calibrate supply schedules from time to time” given the India’s current manufacturing capacity. and requirements of your vaccination program.
India has so far provided more than 60 million doses to more than 75 countries, including through the international Covax vaccine alliance, and its role in fighting the global pandemic has been widely recognized by the international community. The initiative has been seen as a useful exercise in vaccine diplomacy. However, with cases on the rise, the government appears ready to recalibrate exports.
An official source authorized to speak on the matter said that while India remained committed to helping the world with vaccines, including through Covax facilities, all stakeholders would have to work together to adjust schedules as needed. “Only through that cooperation can we collectively tackle the ongoing pandemic,” he said.
“As soon as the purchase orders were placed, we started the supplies at the Covax facility. So far, more than 60 million doses of Made in India vaccines have been supplied to more than 75 countries. No other country has supplied that many doses. like India. “, added the source.
Reuters quoted a UNICEF official as saying Thursday that India was likely to delay deliveries of AstraZeneca vaccine doses to Covax facilities during March and April. The government had previously said that taking into account the national requirements of the gradual rollout, India will continue to supply vaccines to partner countries over the next few weeks in a phased manner. “This position remains unchanged,” the source said.
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