Ensure election-like arrangement for vaccine delivery,says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said an organised vaccine delivery and administration system should be put in place, making use of the experience of succesful conduct of elections and disaster management.PM Modi  on Saturday,chaired a high-level meeting to take stock of the Covid-19 pandemic situation in the country and plans for the delivery, distribution and administration of vaccine when it is ready. He urged the health ministry and Niti Aayog officials to ensure a speedy vaccine delivery. The process should involve the participation of the administrations — from state level to district, and should have a strong IT backbone.

During the meeting, the prime minister noted a steady decline in daily Covid-19 cases and growth rate. He further directed the officials “keep geographical span and diversity of the country in view” while ensuring access to the vaccine in the country speedily. The Prime Minister also cautioned to not be complacent because of the decline in the cases. PM Modi also stressed that every step in logistics, delivery, and administration should be put in place rigorously, the Prime Minister’s office stated. Not only for India and its immediate neighbouring countries, preparation should be in place to serve to the global community, the PM said. Three vaccines for the deadly virus are in advanced stages of development in India, out of which 2 are in Phase II, one is in Phase-III, the prime minister’s office informed in a statement.

Three vaccines are in advanced stages of development in India, out of which two are in Phase II and one is in Phase-III trials. Indian scientists and research teams are collaborating and strengthening the research capacities in neighbouring countries like Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Mauritius, Nepal and Sri Lanka," the statement said.It added that there have also been requests from Bangladesh, Myanmar, Qatar and Bhutan for clinical trials in their countries.