National News

Vaccine Diplomacy: Supply of Indian manufactured vaccines to neighbouring and key partner countries to begin on Jan 20

January 19, 2021
The Commune

Government of India will start supplying Indian manufactured vaccines under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles beginning January 20, 2021.

“Keeping in view the domestic requirements of the phased rollout, India will continue to supply COVID-19 vaccines to partner countries over the coming weeks and months in a phased manner.” the press release by the Ministry of External Affairs stated adding that steps will be taken to ensure domestic manufacturers have adequate stocks to meet domestic requirements while supplying abroad.

A training programme, covering administrative and operational aspects, will be held on 19-20 January 2021 for immunization managers, cold chain officers, communication officers and data managers of the recipient countries, both at national and provincial levels Prior to the delivery of vaccines.

India had earlier supplied hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir and paracetamol tablets, as well as diagnostic kits, ventilators, masks, gloves and other medical supplies to a large number of countries during the COVID19 pandemic.

India has also provided training to several neighbouring countries to enhance and strengthen their clinical capabilities, under the Partnerships for Accelerating Clinical Trials (PACT) programme. Separately, several training courses have been organized for healthcare workers and administrators of partner countries under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme, sharing our experience in dealing with the pandemic.

Keeping the word on fighting the pandemic collectively, India will now be supplying vaccines to countries across the world by calibrating its domestic requirements and international demand and obligations.

Taking to social media, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that India is deeply honoured to be a long-trusted partner in meeting the healthcare needs of the global community.

India’s Minister of External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar said “India fulfils commitment to give vaccines to humanity” adding that the pharmacy of the world will deliver to overcome the challenge.

(With inputs from MEA’s press release)