India, one of the largest manufacturers of vaccines and generic drugs in the world, is intending to export vaccines for the novel coronavirus from today.
The country will offer supplies of Covid-19 vaccines to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles under grant assistance. Shipments will be sent to Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius as well on receipt of necessary regulatory clearances.
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Prime Minister Narenda Modi, taking to his Twitter handle expressed great joy over the development.
"India is deeply honoured to be a long-trusted partner in meeting the healthcare needs of the global community. Supplies of Covid vaccines to several countries will commence tomorrow, and more will follow in the days ahead."
A training programme will also be held by the Indian government, covering administrative and operational aspects for two days for those involved in the immunization process from cold chain, communication and data managers to those involved in the immunization process of the recipient countries, a statement from the Indian foreign ministry said.
In response to the requests from neighbours and partner countries, “and in keeping with India’s stated commitment to use India’s vaccine production and delivery capacity to help all of humanity fight the covid-19 pandemic, supplies under grant assistance to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar and Seychelles will begin from 20 January 2021," the statement said.
While Maldives will be receiving a consignment containing 1,00,000 doses of Covishield vaccines on 20 January, Bhutan will get 1,50,000 doses of Covishield vaccine. Maldives and Bhutan will be two of the earliest recipients of India’s gift of the vaccine manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII).
“In respect of Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Mauritius, we are awaiting their confirmation of necessary regulatory clearances," the statement said.