Summary:
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday reviewed India`s preparations for vaccinating the country`s vast population against coronavirus once a vaccine is available and asserted that vaccination must be affordable and universal.
According to a statement by the Prime Minister`s Office (PMO), PM Modi, during the meeting, noted that vaccination of India`s vast and diverse population will need to factor in issues including those related to management of medical supply chains, prioritisation of at-risk populations, coordination between different agencies involved in the process, as well as the role of the private sector and civil society.
The statement further mentioned that PM Modi enunciated four "guiding principles" that will form the foundation of vaccine management in India.
PM Modi stated that vulnerable groups should be identified and prioritised for early vaccination, for example doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, non-medical frontline Covid-19 warriors, and vulnerable people among the general population.
Another guiding principle enunciated by the prime minister was vaccination of “anyone, anywhere” should take place without imposition of any domicile related restrictions for getting the vaccine.
The third principle enunciated by the prime minister was that vaccination must be affordable and universal and no person should be left behind, according to the PMO.
According to the fourth principle, the entire process from production to vaccination should be monitored and supported in real time with the use of technology.
Prime Minister Modi directed officials to evaluate in a broad manner available technology options that can form the backbone of the national endeavour to vaccinate all in the most efficient and timely manner.