Modi hails scientists' efforts to come out with vax solution to combat virus

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday appreciated the efforts by scientists in Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd, Biological E Ltd and Dr Reddys Laboratories Ltd to come out with a vaccine solution to tackle COVID-19.

During his virtual meetings with 3 teams that are working on developing and manufacturing coronavirus vaccine, the Prime Minister discussed the potential of various platforms for COVID-19 vaccine development.

According to Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Modi also suggested that the companies should take extra efforts to inform the general public in simple language about the vaccine and related matters such as its efficacy. He also asked the companies to come out with their suggestions and ideas regarding the regulatory processes and related matters.

Matters relating to logistics, transport, cold chain in respect of delivering vaccines were also discussed at the meetings.

PMO said that all the vaccine candidates discussed are at different stages of trials and detailed data and results are expected early next year onwards. The Prime Minister advised all the departments concerned to engage with the manufacturers and seek to resolve matters so that the efforts by these companies bear fruit in order to serve the needs of the country and the entire world.

Modi had visited the Serum Institute of India in Pune, Zydus Biotech Park in Ahmedabad and Bharat Biotech facility at Hyderabad to personally review the vaccine development and manufacturing process.

Companies should take extra efforts to inform the general public in simple language about the vaccine and related matters such as its efficacy

—Narendra Modi, Prime Minister