India to mass produce of COVID-19 vaccine: Health Minister
ECONOMY & POLICY

India to mass produce of COVID-19 vaccine: Health Minister

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Minister of Science & Technology and Minister of Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that as the world raced to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, India was look...

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Minister of Science & Technology and Minister of Earth Sciences, Dr. Harsh Vardhan has said that as the world raced to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, India was looking to become self-reliant in both its development and mass production. Addressing the virtual Global R&D Summit 2020, organised by the industry chamber, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), jointly with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), on November 25, Dr. Vardhan said, “Called as the ‘pharmacy of the world’, India has the largest capacity to produce COVID-19 vaccines. We have now started to look at a robust vaccine manufacturing and delivery ecosystem to meet our demands in the coming days. That is one area where your (industry’s) input will help us in not only addressing a topical issue but also creating best practices for the future.” Terming research and innovation as a way of life, the minister observed, “The current pandemic has only reinforced our belief in innovation and R&D to accelerate products and services that not only are helping in disease management but in turn to make our nation resilient and self-reliant.” He further stated that it was time for taking bold decisions and investments, and not for adopting conservative approaches for building competitive global supply chains. “This also is the time to move from a command-and-control economy to plug-and-play and to build a competitive global supply chain. We are committed to help companies invest in India and make for India and the world,” he emphasised. Fuelled by the current pandemic, Dr. Vardhan said that India was transitioning from an era of liberalisation and globalisation to one where it must reinvent itself to become a self-reliant country. Presently, three vaccines are in various stages of clinical trials in the country. Oxford University vaccine being developed with AstraZeneca is in the third phase of trials at Pune’s Serum Institute. Expected for release by January 2021, Serum Institute will be responsible for its distribution. Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories is testing the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF)’s Sputnik V vaccine. It has entered into a partnership with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) of the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) for second and third phase trials. If approved, Dr. Reddy’s will distribute the vaccine in the country. The third phase trials for Covaxin, which is being jointly developed by Bharat Biotech and the Indian Council of Medical Research, were already underway on a large sample size across 22 centres. Dr. Vardhan had gone on record to say that the COVID-19 vaccine will be available in the country in February or March 2021. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Pune, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad on November 28 to review coronavirus vaccine development at facilities there. The prime minister will be visiting the Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad, Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad and Serum Institute in Pune.

Next Story
Resources

Ajmera Realty launches tree drive on Environment Day

Ajmera Realty & Infra India marked World Environment Day with a large-scale tree plantation initiative—Plant-with-Purpose—across its projects in Mumbai and Bangalore. The drive was inaugurated at Ajmera Manhattan and Ajmera Greenfinity in Wadala, with senior company officials and residents in attendance. The campaign encourages residents to embrace eco-conscious, self-reliant lifestyles by growing useful plants and trees within their communities. Horticulture expert Devendra Bhekar guided residents on creating and maintaining green spaces. Ajmera Realty planted over 500 trees..

Next Story
Resources

Twaron®-reinforced tyre powers Brunel’s solar race car

Teijin Aramid’s Twaron® with circular content will debut in Bridgestone’s race tyres for the 2025 Bridgestone World Solar Challenge, supporting the Brunel Solar Team’s Nuna 13 car. This marks the first use of the recycled-content aramid in a high-performance race tyre. The Twaron®-reinforced belts help enhance durability, reduce rolling resistance, and maintain lightweight strength—critical for the 3,000-km solar race across Australia. Bridgestone combines this with ENLITENTM tech and other recycled inputs to maximise environmental and performance outcomes. Teijin Aramid, a..

Next Story
Building Material

Kamdhenu Paints launches new wood coating range

Kamdhenu Paints has launched a comprehensive premium wood coating range designed for both interior and exterior applications. The collection includes high-performance solutions like Kamwood 2K PU for a rich matt or high-gloss finish, Kamwood 1K PU for clarity and stain protection, and the Kamwood Melamyne system for a smooth, durable finish. Also featured are Kamwood Wood Stains, which enhance wood grains with vibrant colour, and NC Sanding Sealer for high-build grain filling. The range is supported by Kamwood Thinners for ease of application and optimal finish. Saurabh Agarwal, MD, ..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?