New Delhi (NVI): India will start the supply of Covid-19 vaccines manufactured by it, under grant assistance to six neighbouring and key partner countries including Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles, in a phased manner from tomorrow, the Ministry of External Affairs said today.
“The Government of India has received several requests for the supply of Indian manufactured vaccines from neighbouring and key partner countries,” the MEA said in a statement, adding that in response to these requests, the Government has decided to supply the Covid-19 vaccines to these countries.
“In response to these requests, and in keeping with India’s stated commitment to use India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity to help all of humanity fight the Covid pandemic, supplies under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles will begin from 20 January 2021,” it said.
The Ministry further stated that in respect of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius, the Government is awaiting their confirmation of necessary regulatory clearances.
“Immunization programme is being implemented in India, as in other countries, in a phased manner to cover the healthcare providers, frontline workers and the most vulnerable. 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. It will be ensured that domestic manufacturers will have adequate stocks to meet domestic requirements while supplying abroad,” MEA said.
Also, prior to the delivery of vaccines, a training programme, covering administrative and operational aspects, is being conducted on 19-20 January for immunization managers, cold chain officers, communication officers and data managers of the recipient countries, both at national and provincial levels, it said.
The Ministry further informed that 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,” it said.
“In an ongoing effort, India will continue to supply countries all over the world with vaccines. This will be calibrated against domestic requirements and international demand and obligations, including under GAVI’s Covax facility to developing countries,” the Ministry added.
Pertinent to mention here that India has approved two vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, and a massive vaccination drive has already been rolled out to administer these vaccines to frontline health workers across the country.
PM Modi welcomed the move on vaccine supply and tweeted that India is deeply honoured. “India is deeply honoured to be a long-trusted partner in meeting the healthcare needs of the global community. Supplies of Covid vaccines to several countries will commence tomorrow, and more will follow in the days ahead,” he said in a tweet.
-ARK
