The prime minister said that the price of the vaccine will be finalized with the interests of public health in mind and after deliberations with state governments. He strongly urged the political leaders who attended the meeting to dispel rumors about the vaccine, saying the unfounded claims would harm the fight against the virus. Their reference appeared to be the recent controversy about an adverse event during a vaccine trial and concerns about “vaccine hesitancy” in the general public.
“The launch of the vaccine will begin as soon as the scientists wave the green flag,” Modi said. He added that eight vaccines were in development to be manufactured in India and referred to three local initiatives. He expressed confidence that progress on the vaccine front has strengthened India’s fight against the disease, but stressed that given the resurgence of Covid-19 in some parts of the world, the need to wear masks and observe hygiene would remain. .
He widely confirmed reports on India’s vaccine prioritization plan, saying that healthcare and front-line workers and older people who are vulnerable to the virus would receive the vaccines first. He said India’s policies were shaped by scientific and expert advice and this had paid off in terms of disease control, treatment and lower mortality. This will continue to be the case, he added.
Modi said the Center and state teams were working closely on the vaccine strategy. “India has experience and capacity in vaccine distribution. We are much better than other countries in this regard. We have a large and experienced vaccination network and the country will take advantage of these advantages,” he added.
The prime minister said some additional cold chain equipment and other logistics would be required, to be evaluated with the help of state governments.
“India has developed special software, Covin, in which the vaccine recipients and real-time information on the availability and storage of the vaccine will be available,” the prime minister said. “A special working group for vaccine research has been set up with technical experts, officials from the concerned ministries and officials from each area,” he added.
Modi said the world was looking to India for the development of a safe and affordable vaccine.
The political parties that participated in the meeting were Congress, Trinamool Congress, DMK, YSR Congress, JD (U), BJD, Shiv Sena, TRS, BSP, SP, AIADMK, NCP, JD (S) and BJP. The leaders assured the Prime Minister of their full support to ensure efficient and rapid vaccination.
“We not only helped our Indian compatriots, but also did our best to save the citizens of other countries. Furthermore, 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, “said the prime minister.
Modi once again warned against rumors that may spread about vaccination, saying it would be against the public interest and the national interest.
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