Covaxin marks key milestone in indigenous vaccinology: Minister Dr K.Sudhakar

Bengaluru: Amidst the controversy over restricted emergency approval given to indigenous Covid-19 vaccines, Karnataka Health Minister Dr K.Sudhakar on Tuesday urged people to refrain from unwarranted criticism which will discredit hard work of scientists.

"The approval of Covid-19 vaccine Covaxin marks a significant milestone in indigenous novel vaccinology in India. Being one of the largest exporters of vaccines, the world is looking up to us in the common fight against this global pandemic. Bharat Biotech is a reputed company which has the credibility and experience of developing 16 vaccines including those for influenza, H1N1, rotavirus, japanese encephalitis, rabies, chikungunya, zika and the world's first tetanus-toxoid conjugated for typhoid," the minister maintained.

While appealing for restraint from unwarranted criticism of vaccines, the minister claimed that hailing from a humble background, Bharat Biotech's founder & Chairman Dr Krishna Ella, is a passionate professional with a credibility of delivering over 4 billion vaccine doses to underprivileged people in more than 150 developing countries through UNICEF and other channels. Covaxin's phase-3 clinical trial involves 24,000 volunteers and it's data will be available soon.

"I humbly appeal to everyone, as a fellow medical professional, to refrain from unwarranted criticism which discredits the hard work of our scientists," said Sudhakar adding that PM Narendra Modi's inspiring leadership as India is at the forefront of scientific innovation to combat Covid-19 pandemic. In line with our philosophy of 'Sarve Jana Sukhino Bhavantu' and 'Vasudaiva Kutumbakam' India will play a significant role in healing humanity.