The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for coronavirus formed by the Centre to consider the logistics and infra of the vaccine, yesterday, in its first meeting, decided that India would leverage domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity as well as engage with all international players for the early delivery of vaccines in India as well as in low and middle-income countries, said a statement from the Union Health Ministry.
Further, the committee headed by NITI Aayog member VK Paul who chaired the high-level meeting along with Secretary (Ministry of Health and Family Welfare) as co-Chair, also deliberated on principles for prioritization of population groups for vaccination.
The expert group deliberated on a “conceptualisation and implementation mechanism” to create a digital infrastructure for inventory management and delivery mechanism of the vaccine, including tracking of the vaccination process, with particular focus on the last-mile delivery.
“The expert group discussed the financial resources required for procurement of COVID-19 vaccine and various options of financing the same. Available options in terms of delivery platforms, cold chain and associated infrastructure for rollout of COVID-19 vaccination were also taken up.”
~ Statement from Union Health Ministry
Further, the statement read, “India’s support to its key neighbours and development partner countries for COVID-19 vaccines was deliberated upon. The expert group discussed that India will leverage domestic vaccine manufacturing capacity and will also engage with all international players for early delivery of vaccines not only in India but also in low- and middle-income countries.”
The committee advised states not to chart separate pathways of procurement.
