NEW DELHI Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in a meeting Thursday to review the research and potential development of a vaccine against the novel coronavirus pandemic. PM Modi took stock of the Ministry of Health’s “comprehensive” distribution and delivery mechanism for vaccines, once their use was successful.
For the future delivery of Covid-19 vaccines, PM Modi reviewed various mechanisms for proper procurement and technologies for bulk storage, filling vials for distribution, and ensuring effective delivery.
The meeting was attended by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, NITI Aayog Member for Health, Dr. VK Paul, Senior Scientific Advisor, Senior Scientists and other senior officials.
The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts made by Indian vaccine developers and manufacturers to meet the challenge of Covid-19 and pledged to continue to facilitate and support the government for all such efforts.
Prime Minister Modi also stated that regulatory reform was a dynamic process, and that the regulator should proactively utilize experts in all current and emerging domains, as many new approaches have emerged.
‘Sero-surveys and tests must be expanded’
The Prime Minister ordered that both serosurveys and tests should be expanded. He said the facility to get tested regularly, quickly and at low cost should be available to everyone as soon as possible.
The Prime Minister also underlined the need for continuous and rigorous scientific testing and validation of traditional medicine treatments. He appreciated the efforts of the AYUSH Ministry to conduct evidence-based research and provide a reliable solution at this difficult time.
‘Center to provide profitable solutions’
The Prime Minister reiterated the country’s determination to provide cost-effective, readily available and scalable solutions for testing, vaccines and medicines, not only for India but for the entire world.
The Prime Minister called for continued vigilance and a high state of preparedness against the deadly virus.
Meanwhile, India’s active Covid-19 cases continued to decline as recoveries outpaced the surge in new infections. According to the Ministry of Health figures released today, there were 8.12 lakh of active Covid cases in the country after 67,708 new cases were reported in a 24-hour span. The overall case count is now 73.07 lakh, which includes 63.83 lakh healed and 1.11 lakh death.
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