200 crore vaccine doses is story of Atmanirbhar Bharat: Mansukh Mandaviya | India News,The Indian Express
Referring to the Centre’s work in medical education, Mansukh Mandaviya said that while MBBS seats have increased from 48,000 to 97,000, the Government is looking to start colleges with “good private hospitals” having over 300 beds.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Thursday that the country’s massive Covid-19 vaccination drive, which has delivered over 200 crore doses so far, tells an “incredible story” of in-house research and production.
Speaking at the Express Adda, Mandaviya said: “This was an incredible story of Atmanirbhar Bharat because the research happened in India, manufacturing happened in India, and the administration happened… using all indigenous things, we have reached the target of 200 crore. We have already administered the first dose to 98 per cent of people over the age of 18 years and second dose to 91 per cent. And, now the precaution dose is happening. Not only did we protect our country, we supported other countries as well. The vaccine might be (available) for $20-25 in other countries, we provided it at $3-4.”
Asked why the Pfizer or Moderna mRNA vaccines were not available in India, the Minister said the Government allowed everyone to come and get their products registered as per laws. But, he said, when it came to discussions on indemnity and sovereign guarantee, it was clear that the rules applicable would be the same for all vaccine manufacturers.
The Health Minister also spoke about the threat of non-communicable diseases, how the Government’s digital health mission will create easily accessible records while guaranteeing privacy, and how the administration will support research and development in the pharmaceutical industry.
Referring to the Centre’s work in medical education, Mandaviya said that while MBBS seats have increased from 48,000 to 97,000, the Government is looking to start colleges with “good private hospitals” having over 300 beds.
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