At review meet, PM Modi takes stock of Covid-19 vaccine progress; calls for scaling up testing & sero surveys

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a review meeting on Thursday to assess the progress in research and development of Covid-19 vaccine.

Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan; Member (Health), NITI Aayog; Principal Scientific Advisor; senior scientists attended the meet on Coronavirus pandemic.

The Prime Minister took stock of Health Ministry’s comprehensive distribution and delivery mechanism for vaccines. This includes mechanisms for adequate procurement, and technologies for bulk-stockpiling, filling vials for
distribution and ensuring effective delivery.

Notably, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan recently told press that the government is aiming to administer Covi-19 vaccine to about 20-25 crore people by July 2021.

Prime Minister also called for scaling up Coronavirus testing as well as sero-surveys. He said that the testing facility must be made convenient so that the suspected cases can get tested regularly, speedily and inexpensively must be available to all at the earliest.

PM Modi also stressed on the need for continuous and rigorous scientific testing and validation of traditional medicine treatments. He also lauded the efforts of AYUSH Ministry for conducting evidence based research and providing reliable solution in this difficult time.

PM Modi also reiterated the country’s resolve to provide cost effective, easily available and scalable solutions for testing, vaccine and medication, not only for India but for the entire world.

He also lauded the efforts made by vaccine developer and manufacturers to sink 150.

The Prime Minister appreciated the efforts made by Indian vaccine developers and manufacturers to rise to the COVID-19 challenge, and committed to continue government facilitation and support for all such efforts.