Nitin Gadkari suggests to allow more pharma companies to produce Covid vaccines

Nitin Gadkari, the Union Minister has said that for the manufacturing of the COVID-19 vaccine in the country more pharma companies should be allowed during this pandemic in order to scale up the production.

While addressing a meeting via video conferencing Gadkari said, "If the demand of vaccine is more than the supply, it creates the problem. So, instead of one company, let 10 more companies be given the license to manufacture the vaccine."

"There are 2-3 laboratories in every state. They should be given the formula to produce the COVID-19 vaccines. They can give royalty," Gadkari said.

"Let them supply in the country and later if there is surplus, they may export. It can be done in 15-20 days," he added.

At present, two firms - Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India are manufacturing COVID vaccines in the country. Also, in India only three vaccines - COVAXIN, COVESHIELD and Sputnik V have been approved to be sold.

Many states have complained about the shortage of COVID-19 vaccines.

A total of 18,58,09,302 doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been administered across the country since the vaccination drive began on January 16.

According to official data, 2,67,334 fresh COVID-19 cases were recorded during a 24-hour period.

"The cumulative caseload stands at 2,54,96,330, including 32,26,719 active cases, 2,19,86,363 recoveries and 2,83,248 deaths," the Union Health Ministry said.