India to be self-reliant in development, mass production of COVID-19 vaccine: Health Minister

Addressing the virtual Global R&D Summit 2020, organised by the industry chamber, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI), jointly with the Department of Science and Technology (DST), on Wednesday, Dr. Vardhan said, ?Called as the ?pharmacy of the world?, India has the largest capacity to produce COVID-19 vaccines. We have now started to look at a robust vaccine manufacturing and delivery ecosystem to meet our demands in the coming days. That is one area where your (industry?s) input will help us in not only addressing a topical issue but also creating best practices for the future.? 

Terming research and innovation as a way of life, the minister observed, ?The current pandemic has only reinforced our belief in innovation and R&D to accelerate products and services that not only are helping in disease management but in turn to make our nation resilient and self-reliant.? 

He further stated that it was time for taking bold decisions and investments, and not for adopting conservative approaches for building competitive global supply chains.

?This also is the time to move from a command-and-control economy to plug-and-play and to build a competitive global supply chain. We are committed to help companies invest in India and make for India and the world,? he emphasised. 

Fuelled by the current pandemic, Dr. Vardhan said that India was transitioning from an era of liberalisation and globalisation to one where it must reinvent itself to become a self-reliant country.