NITI Aayog throws light on Vaccine politics, busts ‘Myths’ about COVID Vaccine Programme
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At the time when several myths and blatant lies about the vaccination are floating around social media as well as WhatsApp, NITI Aayog’s member (Health) Dr. Vinod Paul has come forward to clear the misinformation while busting out "Myths" and put facts about its 'Covid Vaccination Policy'. Dr. Vinod Paul listed out seven myths that are doing around the internet.
Myth 1: Centre is not doing enough to buy vaccines from abroad
Central Government has remained engaged continuously with all the major international vaccine manufacturers including, Pfizer, J&J & Moderna. In fact, the government has also done multiple rounds of discussions with these vaccine manufacturers. However, since the vaccines are limited globally and are first given to the country of origin, the process is not easy. Niti Ayog has further pointed out that the companies also have to give preference to countries of their origin just like our own vaccine-makers did have done unhesitatingly for us.
Myth 2: Centre has not approved vaccines available globally
Answering that, Dr. Paul said that govt has proactively eased the entry of vaccines approved by the US FDA, EMA, UK's MHRA, and Japan's PMDA, and WHO's Emergency Use Listing into India in April. These vaccines will not need to undergo prior bridging trials. He also informed that no application by any foreign manufacturer was pending for approval.
Myth 3: Centre is not doing enough to ramp up domestic production of vaccines
Dr. Paul said that the govt is doing its part in increasing vaccine production locally, and it is playing the role of an “effective facilitator” to enable more companies to produce vaccines from early 2020. He added that 3 more companies will produce Bharat Biotech’s indigenous Covid-19 vaccine, Covaxin.
Moreover, the central govt is taking steps in ensuring partnership with Russia, in that Sputnik will be manufactured by 6 companies coordinated by Dr. Reddy. Besides, govt is also supporting the efforts of Zydus Cadila, BioE as well Genova for their respective indigenous vaccines under the Covid Suraksha scheme.
Myth 4: Centre should invoke compulsory licensing
Busting this Myth, Dr. Paul said that the compulsory licensing is not a very attractive option since it is not a ‘formula’ that matters, adding that Tech transfer is the key and that remains in the hands of the company that has carried out R&D.
He underlined that the government is also ensuring an active partnership between Bharat Biotech and 3 other entities to enhance the production of Covaxin.
Myth 5: Centre has abdicated its responsibility to the states
Slamming the opposition for spreading the fake news, Dr. Paul said that vaccine procured by the Centre is supplied wholly to the states for free administration to people. He further added that the government has merely enabled states to try procuring vaccines on their own, on their explicit requests.
Myth 6: Centre is not giving enough vaccines to the states
Govt is allotting enough vaccines to the states in a transparent manner as per “agreed guidelines,” and states are also being informed in advance of the vaccine availability. States and private hospitals are getting 25 percent of the vaccine doses each, according to the circulatory.
Myth 7: Centre is not taking any step to vaccinate children
As of now, no country in the world is giving vaccines to children under 12 years, and WHO has not issued any recommendation on vaccinating children. Meanwhile, Dr. Paul highlighted that there have been studies about the safety of vaccines in children, which have been encouraging, and said that trials in children are also set to begin in India soon.
He also slammed politicians for playing politics saying vaccinating children should not be decided on the basis of panic in Whatsapp groups.
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