COVID vaccine may be ready within weeks, PM Modi says at all party meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that the country is likely to get covid vaccine in just a few weeks and its administration will begin as soon as the scientists give green signal.
The prime minister also said that the healthcare workers, front line workers and old people suffering from serious conditions would be the first ones to be administered first.

“Nearly eight vaccines are on other stages of trial with their manufacturing assured in India. Three vaccines from India are at different stages. Experts believe wait for COVID-19 vaccine will not be long, it may be ready in a few weeks,” he said after the virtual meeting which was attended by about 12 leaders from prominent political parties.

PM Modi also assured that the Central and state government teams are working in tandem for the distribution of vaccine, asserting that India has “expertise for vaccine distribution as well as capacity”.

World is watching India

“The scientists are very confident of succeeding in their endeavor of making the COVID-19 vaccine. The world is keeping a watch on the cheapest and safe vaccine. That is why the world is watching India,” he said.

“We have one of the largest networks with experience in vaccination programmes. With help from state governments, other needed cold-chain storage and logistical support are being measured. A special software has also been developed for vaccine stock and real time information,” he said.

The prime minister also sought support from leaders of all parties to stop “anti-national and anti-human” rumors that may spread during vaccination.”We must make sure rumours aren’t spread during vaccination, rumors that are anti-national and anti-human. Thus, all political parties must make sure that we save all Indians from such rumors,” he said.

“The cost of vaccine will be decided keeping in mind public health and state governments will play a major role in this,” the Prime Minister said.