Private hospitals will be roped in for Covid vaccine drive: Dr K.Sudhakar

Bengaluru: It's a matter of pride for us that India has developed vaccines in a record time ahead of many developed nations, said Health & Medical Education Minister Dr K.Sudhakar on Monday.

Speaking to the media, Dr Sudhakar said, "We all should thank our Prime Minister and all scientists who have worked relentlessly to invent the vaccine. We have developed indigenous vaccine ahead of several developed nations and all corona warriors will be administered vaccine in the first phase. Now emergency approval has been given for restricted use and full license will be approved after the successful completion of 3rd stage clinical trials. I have personally spoken to the scientists involved in research and development of vaccines and it is safe. This is a gift to the world by India".

The minister said that preparations were made to distribute vaccine. "Private hospitals will also be roped in if required," he said.

"Forty-eight passengers tested positive for Covid-19 and 34 of them are UK returnees. Mutant corona virus was found in 10 people among them and they are recovering in government hospitals" he said, adding 75 people returned from the UK could not be traced yet.

Tracing of the missing UK returnees is delayed as they have foreign addresses and some have immigration issues. "Government has considered all factors and taken a decision. There are guidelines for flight operations as well," minister further added.