Synopsis
In a keynote address, Dr. Balram Bhargava highlighted India's emergence as a vaccine superpower, producing 60% of global vaccines, particularly through Covaxin, amidst the pandemic.Key Takeaways
- India produces 60% of the world's vaccines.
- ICMR played a vital role during the Covid-19 pandemic.
- A National Task Force was established for vaccine development.
- Women are encouraged to pursue careers in science and research.
- India had the lowest death rate during the Omicron wave.
Thiruvananthapuram, March 11 (NationPress) The former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr. Balram Bhargava, declared on Tuesday that India has firmly established itself as a vaccine powerhouse with the development of Covaxin, now producing 60 percent of the world's vaccines.
During the pandemic, it was ICMR that played a crucial role in addressing Covid-19.
Dr. Bhargava made this statement while delivering a keynote speech at the BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB) during the Women’s Day celebration, themed ‘Accelerate Action’.
“A remarkable 60 percent of the world’s vaccines are now manufactured in Pune, which are distributed globally. In 2021, we exported vaccines to over 100 countries, highlighting our strength in research and development of vaccines. We have truly become a vaccine superpower,” stated Bhargava.
He emphasized that the entire process of vaccine development, from funding to pre-clinical and clinical studies, has been carried out efficiently with government support.
“We have established a National Task Force consisting of forty scientists from various research fields who responded promptly to the crisis,” Bhargava added.
During the Omicron wave, India recorded the lowest death rate compared to nations like Russia, the UK, and the US, as over 95 percent of our population was vaccinated, showcasing the effectiveness of the government and health department's collaboration during the crisis.
Dr. Sharmila Bapat, Director of the BRIC-National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, and a trailblazer in cancer stem cell research, urged women to engage in scientific research.
“Numerous programs are available for female researchers,” stated Bapat.
RGCB Director Prof. Chandrabhas Narayana emphasized the significant contributions of women faculty and research students at RGCB.
“One of our faculty members is currently leading the Indian delegation focused on cervical cancer eradication. Many of our female students are pursuing post-doctoral research at esteemed institutions abroad,” added Narayana.
