Further in his remarks at the virtual meeting with leaders of various political parties to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country, Modi said experts believe the wait for the COVID-19 vaccine will not be long and it may be ready in a few weeks.
PM Modi on pricing of vaccine & who will get it first
PM also said that the price of the vaccine is not decided yet and the state governments are holding discussions regarding the same. PM Modi also said that it is yet to be decided on who will get the Covid vaccine in the first phase, but frontline workers are likely to be given priority.
"Experts believe that COVID vaccine will be ready in the next few weeks. As soon as scientists give a green signal, vaccination will start in India. Healthcare, frontline workers and elderly person suffering from serious diseases will be given priority in vaccination," PM Modi.
"Centre is in talks with State governments over the price of vaccine and decision regarding it will be taken keeping public health as the topmost priority," Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
PM on vaccine distribution
PM Modi also said that the teams of Central and state governments are working together for vaccine distribution.
Central and state government teams are working in tandem for the distribution of the vaccine against COVID-19, Modi said, adding that India has expertise for vaccine distribution as well as capacity.
"India has the expertise and capacity in vaccine distribution and fare better compared to other nations. We've a very big and experienced network in the field of vaccination. We will fully exploit it," PM Modi at an all-party meet.
In his address, PM Modi also mentioned about the 'Co-Win' mobile app made to keep citizens updated about Covid-19 vaccine after it arrives in the country. "Co-Win will help in keeping the residents of India updated about the status and stock of the Coronavirus vaccine," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister further asserted that scientists are confident about making the cheapest and safe vaccine in the world.
In his remarks, Modi also said, "We must make sure rumours are not spread during vaccination, rumours that are anti-national and anti-human. Thus, all political parties must make sure that we save all Indians from such rumours and spread awareness."
States with worrying trajectory:
At the all party meeting today, it was pointed out that states with a high and worrying trajectory are Chattisgarh, Delhi, Kerala, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, West Bengal. Incidentally all of these are opposition ruled states.
Covid-19 tally in India
Meanwhile, India's COVID-19 caseload rose to 95.71 lakh, while the total number of people who have recuperated from the disease crossed 90 lakh pushing the national recovery rate to 94.20 per cent, said the Union Health Ministry on Friday.
The total coronavirus cases mounted to 95,71,559 with 36,595 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll climbed to 1,39,188 with 540 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.