New Delhi: Amid an ongoing phase 1 and 2 trial of the two indigenous COVID-19 vaccines in India, the central government on Tuesday said that the Union Health Ministry would provide all support to Serum Institute of India (SII) to conduct phase 3 trial of the Oxford vaccine.
"Regulatory process will be fastened and all support will be provided to Serum Institute," said NITI Aayog member VK Paul. Echoing the same sentiment, Dr Rajesh Bhusan, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) said that India's drug controller general (CDSCO) has already accelerated regulatory process for all such initiatives.
It may be mentioned here that SII has tied up with AstraZeneca for manufacturing the Oxford vaccine candidate ChAdOxi. An initial study of Oxford Covid vaccine has indicated that it's safe and develop antibody response in participants.
Dr Bhushan also said that another COVID-19 vaccine candidate conducted in China found safe. Dr Bhushan informed that health ministry is also discussing strategies for manufacturing and distribution of COVID-19 vaccine, once it is approved.
Talking to the reporters, Dr Bhushan who is going to assume the charge as Union Health Secretary from August 1 has informed that many of the recovered COVID-19 patients have been developing some other complications like breathing problem, blood pressure among others.
"The joint monitoring group (JMG) set up by the Health Ministry has presently been doing a study on such behaviour and will release protocol to counter such issues," said Dr Bhushan.
Ever since COVID-19 stuck India, the health ministry has set up JMG consisting of scientists, domain experts to guide the ministry on clinical management protocol and other critical issues.
Referring to N95 masks, Dr Bhushan said that health ministry has issued instructions to avoid using N95 masks carrying valved respirator. The Health Ministry in a letter issued to health secretaries in States and UTs have said that there is an inappropriate use of the N95 mask (particular with a valved respirator) by the public other than designated health workers.
