The country has been facing a vaccine shortage reportedly. A lot of states and authorities have come forward to tell about the crippling state of vaccine shortage in the country. The Centre reportedly is in talks with global manufacturers like Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson to supply to India.
The Government on Thursday announced that the three pharma giants have said that they would be able to open discussions only in Q3, 2021. The Government also announced that according to estimates given by vaccine manufacturers, over 2 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines could become available for India between August and December this year.
“We have contacted manufacturers and sought information on the availability of vaccine for August-December… In this period, 216 crore doses would become available in India. The vaccine will be made available for all as we move forward…,” Dr. V K Paul, head of India’s Covid-19 Task Force, said.
“From the beginning, the Department of Biotechnology and Ministry of External Affairs together have been in touch with Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson. It is still ongoing,” Paul said.
The companies have indicated that they do not immediately have free capacity. Paul also notified that the nation hopes manufacturers might possibly transfer their technology to domestic manufacturers to increase the availability of vaccines.
“This is happening at the highest diplomatic channels. We also invite them that they should manufacture their vaccines in India; we also hope if they can undertake a technology transfer. India will support in every possible way,” he said.