Key Points:
- The wait for the vaccine won’t be long, it may be ready in a few weeks.
- “A decision will be taken keeping public health as the top priority.” said PM Modi.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi told opposition leaders at an all-party meeting Friday that the wait for a Covid-19 vaccine won’t be long, as experts believe it may be ready in a few weeks.
“India will start Covid-19 vaccination programme soon after getting the green signal from experts,” Modi told the leaders, adding that the Centre is already in talks with state governments over the price of the vaccine.
“A decision will be taken keeping public health as the top priority.”
The all-party meeting was called to discuss issues, including India’s Covid vaccine distribution plan, costs, as well as free vaccination. The vaccine will be given first to healthcare workers, Modi reiterated.
Leaders of different political parties also gave their suggestions at the meeting.
The PM said that there are eight “sambhaavit” (probable) vaccines in different stages of trial across the world, which can be manufactured in India, including three being developed indigenously.
“Our scientists are very confident of succeeding in their endeavour of making the Covid vaccine. The world is keeping a watch on the cheapest and safe vaccine. That is why the world is watching India,” Modi said.
The PM also said that central and state government teams are working together to chalk out the vaccine distribution plan.
“India has the expertise and capacity in vaccine distribution. We fare better compared to other nations. We have a very big and experienced network in the field of vaccination and we will fully exploit it,” Modi told the leaders.
The Centre and state governments are also reviewing the cold chain logistics required for storing the vaccine. “The cold chain network will be strengthened wherever required,” the PM told the leaders.