As India entered 16th day of nationwide vaccination programme wherein two vaccines — Covaxin and Covishield — are being administered to healthcare workers and frontline workers, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, on Monday said Rs 35,000 crore has been allocated for Covid-19 vaccine in BE 2021-22 as she shared that two more vaccines against the pathogen will be announced soon.
Sitharaman said the Government has already provided Rs 35,000 crore for Covid-19 vaccine in the coming fiscal and is “committed to provide further funds if required”.
Though, she did not name the vaccines, her announcement comes days after the maker of Covishield, Serum Institute of India (SII) said it will soon launch Covovax, another jab against the pathogen.
“Today, India has 2 vaccines available and has begun safeguarding not only her own citizens against Covid-19 but also those of 100 or more countries. It has added comfort to know that 2 more vaccines are also expected soon,” Sitharaman said during her Budget speech in the Lok Sabha.
Presently, Covishield vaccine manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and Covaxin by Bharat Biotech have not only been given to Indians but have been exported to other countries too.
“We hope the arrival of other two vaccines may bring some relief, she said adding that India already has two jabs available. India currently also has one of the lowest death rates and active cases in the world,” said the Minsiter.
Welcoming the separate fund for the Covid vaccines, Dr Krishna Ella from Bharat Biotech said, “The Government commitment providing more funds in order to contain the coronavirus pandemic provide an effective, smooth path for the vaccination scheme and will help lead our nation towards accomplishing a covid-19 disease free Bharat.”
He added the allocation to vaccines signals a shift to preventive health care, a validation of the fact that vaccines are the most cost effective health care interventions.
Adar Poonawalla from the SII too hailed the vaccine budget. “Globally, spending on healthcare infrastructure and vaccine have given countries and their economies the best bang for their buck. Investments in these areas have prevented hospitalizations and resulted in a healthier and more productive workforce, thereby leading to an efficient economy”.
Dr KK Aggarwal, President, Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) however, felt that the Rs 35,000 crore allocation for the vaccination is lower than what was needed. “The Government also needs to boost research in the field of genomics whether it is by the private or the public sector. This will help in early detection of new virus mutations in animals and the likelihood of cross-species transmissions, develop diagnostics and track transmission of infections,” he added.