The Department of Biotechnology has informed that under “Mission COVID Suraksha- the Indian COVID-19 Vaccine Development Mission”, being implemented by Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) of DBT, facility augmentation of Bharat Biotech and three Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) including Haffkine Biopharmaceutical Corporation Mumbai; Indian Immunologicals Hyderabad; Bharat Immunologicals Biologicals Corporation, Bulandshahr; is being supported, for augmented production of Covaxin. Further, the technology transfer of Covaxin production to Gujarat COVID Vaccine Consortium (GCVC), comprising Hester Biosciences, OmniBRx Biotechnologies and Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC), Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of Gujarat; is being facilitated by the Department of Biotechnology, to enhance the production of Covaxin in the coming months.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has provided 100% advance to domestic vaccine manufacturers in respect of procurement orders placed with them. These funds can be used by such manufacturers for their capacity augmentation. The government has also provided financial assistance to one of the vaccine manufacturers i.e. M/s Biological E for ‘At-risk manufacturing’ of COVID-19 vaccine.

This information was given by the Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Mansukh Mandaviya in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today

Further, the Central Drug Standards and Control Organisation (CDSCO) under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has put in place a system for fast track processing of the application for clinical trial & approval for COVID-19 vaccines.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has ensured improved accessibility of safe COVID-19 vaccination services for eligible beneficiaries irrespective of their socio-economic status. This has been done through an increase in vaccination centres, citizen-friendly up-gradation of Co-WIN establishment of a 24x7 national call centre helpline to address queries from the general public on COVID-19 and the vaccination process.

The government of India is also providing 15 days advance visibility of vaccine availability to States/UTs with advice to prepare and publicize in advance district-wise and COVID-19 Vaccination Centers wise (CVCs) plan for accelerating the coverage of COVID-19 vaccination and for the convenience of citizens. Further, a communication strategy is in place which is being implemented across all States/UTs with a focus to sustain vaccine confidence and address vaccine hesitancy. Accessibility to vaccination is being facilitated by involving Private CVCs, workplace CVCs & ‘Near to Home’ CVCs. The government of India regularly reviews the progress of the National COVID-19 vaccination programme with all States/UTs to expedite its progress.

The government of India has made all arrangements to secure COVID-19 vaccines for the eligible beneficiaries as per production and the availability of COVID-19 vaccines in the country. It is expected that an adequate quantity of COVID vaccine will be available between January 2021 to December 2021 to vaccinate eligible beneficiaries aged 18 years and above.