Summary:
New Delhi, Sep 20 (PTI) India will resume export of surplus COVID-19 vaccines in the fourth quarter of 2021 under the "Vaccine Maitri" programme and to meet its commitment to the COVAX global pool, but vaccinating its own citizens remains the topmost priority of the government, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said on Monday.
Addressing the media, the minister said the government will receive over 30 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccines in October and over 100 crore doses in the coming quarter from October-December.
The cumulative doses administered so far across the country has crossed 81.7 crore.
Asserting that vaccination of our own citizens remains the government"s topmost priority, Mandaviya said, "India will be resuming export of COVID-19 vaccines under Vaccine Maitri in order to fulfil the commitment of India towards COVAX in line with our motto of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam"." The surplus supply of vaccines will be used to fulfil India"s commitment towards the world for the collective fight against COVID-19, he said.
COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and WHO. Highlighting the importance of indigenous research and production of Covid vaccines in India, he said that it is due to the relentless efforts and guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi that India was simultaneously undertaking research and production of Covid vaccines in such a big way.
India"s vaccination drive has been a role model for the world and it is marching ahead with great speed, he said.