First Covid-19 vaccine in India by early 2021 : Health Ministry

New Delhi, Sep 28
As the world races to develop a potential vaccine against coronavirus (Covid-19), the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Monday said that the first vaccine in India will most likely be available by early 2021.
The Health Ministry said the research to develop a Covid-19 vaccine is being “done expeditiously”.
During a media briefing, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said, “Research to develop a vaccine is being done expeditiously. There are at least 3 viable such vaccine candidates that are in the phase of clinical trials right now in the country. We’re hopeful that within the 1st quarter of 2021 it will be available”, as quoted by ANI.
With a spike of 82,170 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, India’s Covid-19 tally crossed the 60-lakh mark on Monday, according to the data provided by the Health Ministry.
India’s case tally now stands at 60,74,703, with 95,542 deaths due to coronavirus.
The Health Ministry on Monday also released the 100-year timeline history of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) .
“Today’s a historic day for ICMR. It’s an honour for me to release the 100-year timeline of the history of ICMR within its premises today. The contribution of scientists associated with it is commemorated and serves as an inspiration to upcoming scientists,” Dr Vardhan told the media.
Covid-19 vaccine portal launched, all data linked to research, clinical trial on it, says Harsh Vardhan : The Union Health Ministry on Monday launched an online portal about Covid-19 with all the latest information on the coronavirus disease.
The web portal will have data on research development, clinical trials on potential Covid-19 vaccine in India, its launch date and other information, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said.
“An online portal about Covid-19 vaccine has been launched. Everyone will be able to go online to that portal and look up all contemporary research-development and clinical trials related information. It will also provide information about other vaccinations provided in the country,” Dr Vardhan was quoted by news agency ANI as saying.
Hindustan Times