Karnataka is vaccination-ready, asserts Minister
BENGALURU:
Pharma company Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin trials in Karnataka will be successful and the state is fully prepared for the distribution of Covid-19 vaccines, asserted Health & Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar on Wednesday. He was speaking at the launch of the phase 3 clinical trials of Covaxin at Vydehi Institute of Medical Science and Research Centre. Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa joined the event via video conference.
Dr Sudhakar said it was a matter of pride that Karnataka was one of 12 states conducting clinical trials of candidate vaccines. Around 1,600-1,800 volunteers had already been administered vaccines in the state, he said, adding that people should be wary of rumours and misinformation during the trial period.
‘No need for panic’
On the side effects of Covid vaccines, the Minister said experts were observing the results closely and there was no need for panic at this stage.
Hopeful that indigenous, safe, effective, and affordable Covid-19 vaccine will be a reality soon. This morning virtually initiated Phase-3 clinical trials of Bharath Biotech's #AtmaNirbhar Covid-19 vaccine 'Covaxin' at Vydehi Institute.@narendramodi @drharshvardhan pic.twitter.com/Rn9dKkHD2Q
— B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) December 2, 2020
He said the Centre has allocated Rs 900 crore for vaccine research, and the Prime Minister had himself recently visited research centres in Pune, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad. The Minister said the state governmen has set aside Rs 300 crore for vaccine trials.
Karnataka is fully prepared for vaccine distribution, with 29,451 vaccine distribution centres, 10,008 trained staff and 2,855 cold storage centres. Regional centres are being set up in Bengaluru, Shivamogga and Ballari. Healthcare workers will be vaccinated in the first phase, followed by frontline warriors, people aged above 50 years and people with comorbidities, said Dr Sudhakar.
Joined CM Shri @BSYBJP in the launch of Phase-3 clinical trails of 'Covaxin' Covid-19 vaccine developed by @BharatBiotech at Vydehi Medical College. Thanks to leadership of PM @narendramodi, the vaccine R&D efforts started early in India and the scenario looks highly optimistic. pic.twitter.com/kyHyHfxPNk
— Dr Sudhakar K (@mla_sudhakar) December 2, 2020
On a related note, he said free treatment is being given to Covid patients, 1.25 lakh tests are currently conducted per day in the state, and 1.2 crore free Covid tests have been conducted so far.
