New Delhi: India is highly optimistic that all five Covid 19 vaccine candidates will clear all clinical trials to control the pandemic in the country. Interestingly, much talked Sputnik-V vaccine also got the approval from Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for Phase 2 and 3 clinical trials in the country. "We are expecting success from their trial in our country. They can surely control the pandemic," said Dr VK Paul, member, Niti Aayog on Tuesday in New Delhi.
He said that all the vaccine candidates are doing well. "Serum Institute of India's phase 3 trial of Oxford vaccine is almost done. Its follow-up action is going on," said Dr Paul.
Phase 3 trial of Bharat Biotech's Covid-19 vaccine candidate has already started. Vaccine candidate of Zydus Cadila has completed its phase 2 trial. The Hyderabad based Biological E has also been conducting Phase 1 and 2 clinical trials of its vaccine candidate.
"Development related to Moderna and Pfizer vaccine candidate is under close observation," said Dr Paul asserting that it may be tough for India to keep vaccine under -80°C temperature. The vaccine of Pfizer requires -80°C temperature. "It's a tough challenge. It's not an easy process to keep the vaccine under-80°C temperature for most of the country. However, we are in talks with vaccine manufacturers," Dr Paul said.
It may be mentioned here that the national task force on Covid-19 vaccine administration has already chalked out a document for vaccine distribution on a priority group basis. Dr Paul was addressing reporters regarding Covid-19 situation in the country. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhusan was also present in the programme. Bhushan said that the effect of the festive season, as well as state election, will be seen in the coming days.
"Festive session was one of the major reason for a spike in few states including Delhi," said Bhushan. Referring to the meeting chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday, Bhushan said that 75 doctors and a good number of paramedics from the central armed police force (CAPF) already reached Delhi and many are coming in a day or two.
"The ICU beds have been increased. Testing in Delhi will also be increased from 50,000 to 1 lakh. "The testing will be done through a right mix of RT PCR and antigen kits. Apart from this, 10 mobile tests laboratories will also be put into service in a day or two," said Bhushan. He said that 10 multidisciplinary teams appointed by the central government will visit all the hospitals in Delhi and suggest measures to improve the condition.
Bhushan informed that there were 25,000 active cases under homecare in Delhi. "The number of homecare will be increased up to 35-40,000," said Bhushan. The secretary, however, clarified that no direction was given to discontinue home isolation. "In fact, we keep sharing good practices of states and there is a competitive price fixed for specialised agencies for home isolation," he said. He said that the number of volunteers for the house to house checking in vulnerable pockets of Delhi will also be increased from 3000 to 8,000. He informed that there are 4,000 containment areas in Delhi.
Asserting that condition in Europe has worsened, Bhusan said that central government has been trying hard to contain the situation in India. "Whoever is feeling unwell, or fever or cough, they should do Covid 19 tests without any hesitation," said Bhushan. When asked about a possible lockdown in Delhi following a rapid surge in Covid 19 cases, Bhushan said that such a call may be taken by the Delhi State Disaster Management Authority (DSDMA) after proper discussion.
"At the central level, we will also discuss the issues whenever it comes to us," Bhushan added. It may be mentioned here that India till Tuesday registered a recovery number of 82.9 lakhs Covid19 patients which is highest in the world. India's recovery rate has also crossed 93 per cent, health ministry statistics said.
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