Got request from 22 countries for COVID-19 vaccine: Harsh Vardhan

New Delhi: India has received request for supply of COVID-19 vaccines from 22 countries so far and the government is considering to supply them the same, while keeping in mind the need of it’s citizens, the government told the Lok Sabha on Friday.
Replying to a Supplementary Question during the Question Hour, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said the vaccines have been supplied both as grant assistance and contract doses.
Giving details, the Minister said they have received requests from countries like Afghanistan, Mangolia, Myanmar, Oman, South Africa and UAE, apart from 16 others for COVID-19 vaccine.
Seven more vaccines are being prepared in the country, out of which, three are in the final phase and two are in the second phase, said Dr Vardhan.
When asked if the vaccine was being given to everyone, the Minister said that people are being vaccinated in the country at a fast pace and when the vaccination of Corona warriors would be completed, then the vaccine would be given to people over 50.
The national group of experts decides as to when, whom and how many people are to be vaccinated, said Dr Vardhan, adding that this group was formed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in August.