PM Modi holds meeting to review India's Covid vaccination strategy

"Held a meeting to review India's vaccination strategy and the way forward. Important issues related to progress of vaccine development, regulatory approvals and procurement were discussed," PM Modi tweeted.

"Reviewed various issues like prioritisation of population groups, reaching out to HCWs, cold-chain Infrastructure augmentation, adding vaccinators and tech platform for vaccine roll-out," he tweeted.

Several drug companies are involved in developing a vaccine against COVID-19, which has killed millions across the world since its outbreak in China in December last year.

US pharmaceutical major Pfizer on Wednesday confirmed that its COVID-19 vaccine candidate is 95 per cent effective in the final analysis of the Phase 3 trial.

Five vaccines are in advanced stages of development in India, out of which 4 are in Phase II/III and one is in Phase-I/II.  Countries such as Bangladesh, Myanmar, Qatar, Bhutan, Switzerland, Bahrain, Austria and South Korea – have shown keen interest in partnering for vaccine development of Indian vaccines and use thereof.

The Prime Minister has directed to work in collaboration with all reputed national and international institutions and regulators to ensure the rigour and highest global standards in Indian research and manufacturing. 

Modi reviewed the aspects of emergency use authorisation and for manufacture and procurement of medicine.

The Government has provided assistance of Rs 900 crore under Covid Suraksha Mission to support Research & Development of the vaccination.

The Prime Minister directed that a time-bound plan be laid out for speedy regulatory clearances and timely procurement for early rollout of the vaccination drive.