On June 24, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya clarified that foreign-made vaccines were not procured during the Covid pandemic due to the demand for indemnity by the foreign firms. He highlighted that Indian vaccine manufacturers were not provided with the same indemnity, emphasizing that the same rule applied to all.
Mandaviya further addressed the misconception that India prevented foreign vaccines, such as those made by Moderna and Pfizer, from entering the country. He stated that India granted emergency use approvals to foreign companies when they submitted the required data, similar to the approvals given to Indian companies.
In his statement, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya shed light on the issue of foreign-made vaccines during the Covid pandemic. He explained that the reason for not procuring vaccines from foreign firms was the demand for indemnity, which was not made available to Indian vaccine manufacturers. Mandaviya emphasized that the same rule applied to all vaccine manufacturers, irrespective of their origin.
Mandaviya clarified that it was incorrect to suggest that India prevented foreign-made vaccines, such as those developed by Moderna and Pfizer, from being imported into the country. He clarified that India followed a fair and consistent approach in granting emergency use approvals. When foreign companies submitted the necessary data and complied with the regulatory requirements, they were granted approvals similar to those given to Indian companies.
The minister highlighted that different countries may have varying strengths and needs in terms of vaccine production and supply. India, with its own vaccine manufacturers and capabilities, had certain requirements in place. Mandaviya emphasized that it was crucial to understand that India did not hinder any country from bringing their vaccines to India, but rather followed a standardized process for granting approvals.
This clarification from the Union Health Minister aimed to address any misconceptions or misinformation surrounding India’s approach to foreign-made vaccines. The statement underscored the government’s commitment to ensuring a fair and transparent regulatory process, treating both domestic and foreign vaccine manufacturers equally in terms of requirements and approvals.
