Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, 4 December, addressed the virtual all-party meeting of floor leaders in Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha to discuss the COVID-19 situation and said that experts believe that the COVID-19 vaccine will be ready in the next few weeks and that healthcare, frontline workers and elderly persons suffering from serious diseases will be given priority in vaccination.
“The world is keeping a watch on the cheapest and safe vaccine. That is why the world is watching India,” he said.
Vaccination as Soon as Experts Give Go Ahead
PM Modi further said India’s scientists are very confident of succeeding in their endeavour of making a vaccine against the virus.
“As soon as scientists give the green signal, vaccination will start in India,” he said.
He added that the Centre is in talks with state governments over the price of vaccine, adding that a decision regarding it will be taken keeping public health as the topmost priority.
Teams of central and state governments are working together for vaccine distribution, he said, adding that India fares better in terms of expertise and capacity in vaccine distribution.
“We have a very big and experienced network in the field of vaccination. We will fully exploit it,” the prime minister said at the virtual meet.
“I appeal to leaders of all political parties to send your suggestions in writing. I assure you that they will be considered seriously,” he said.
Second All-Party Meet Called by Govt
The meeting comes days after PM Modi held a virtual meeting with chief ministers of states that have seen a surge in COVID-19 cases in recent weeks.
Former PM and Janata Dal (Secular) chief HD Deve Gowda was among those participating in the meet.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan were also expected to attend the meeting, along with Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi and Minister of State Arjun Ram Meghwal, reported PTI.
Ahead of the meet, Rahul Gandhi took to Twitter to say, “In today’s all-party meeting, we hope the PM clarifies by when will every Indian get free COVID vaccine.”
This was the second all-party meeting called by the government to discuss the COVID-19 situation since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Meanwhile, India on Friday reported 36,594 new coronavirus cases, taking the tally in the country to 95,71,559.
‘No Roadmap’: Congress Leaders
Congress’ Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, following the meeting, pointed out that there’s no roadmap for vaccination of normal people.
“It (govt) stated that those who need to be vaccinated will be vaccinated but who’s going to decide this? No plan was discussed how the vaccine will be given to the poor, during all-party meet.”Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, according to ANI
Speaking at the meeting, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, according to ANI, had called for safety mechanism to monitor long-term adverse effects of any COVID vaccines.
He also reportedly said that “India should be well placed to get COVID-19 vaccine at affordable price.”
Further, Azad said:
“Scientists, policy makers, political leaders must work together on COVID vaccine prioritisation, distribution.”
“COVID-like pandemics can pose threat to country's internal security; policy makers must address challenge,” said the Congress leader.
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)