K.T. Rama Rao, the Information Technology, Elections and Communications Minister of Telangana, on the 4th of August, participated in a discussion regarding the Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 vaccine.
During the interaction, Mr. Rao said, he is confident that Telangana would be the first State to produce the vaccine for the deadly Novel Coronavirus.
In Telangana, Hyderabad’s Bharat Biotech Private Limited with the Indian Council Medical Research (ICMR) made a potential candidate vaccine. The clinical trials of the vaccine are undergoing at 12 different ICMR approved hospitals and institutes.
Mr. Rama Rao said the first vaccine will be produced in Telangana State.
Mr. Rao promised to all vaccine manufacturers, Telangana State would champion the cause of decentralisation, funding and becoming flexible in terms of regulations, by advocating their voices with the Central Government.
Mr. Rao participated in ‘The Vaccine Race – Balancing Science and Urgency’ organised by the Telangana Government.
During the interactive session, KTR agreed with the manufacturers regarding the need of a strategy for conducting more tests, distribution, administration and clinical monitoring of the vaccine.
Mr. Rao also said he feel the Central Government should involve all stakeholders including the State governments and the vaccine manufacturers in this regard.
Concluding the session, Mr. Rao praised the hospitals and medical staff for handling COVID-19 situation bravely. He also urged people to follow the social vaccine, as potential vaccine may take a little longer.
The interactive session was attended by Soumya Swaminathan, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Chief scientist, Dr. Krishna Ella, the Chairman and Managinh Director of the Bharat Biotech International Limited, Biological E’s Managing Director Mahima Datla and Indian Immunilogicals Limited Managing Director Anand Kumar.
Meanwhile, Telangana reported a total of 70,958 cases of the Novel Coronavirus till date.
Stay tuned for further updates.
