India is hoping to roll out COVID-19 vaccines by the first quarter of 2021 and consideration is being given for developing countries such as Guyana to be on the priority list for receiving same once they are available, High Commissioner of India, Dr K J Srinivasa disclosed.
During an interview with Stabroek News last week, Srinivasa said that India is in the advanced stage of trials in developing the vaccines.
One of the vaccines, according to Srinivasa is being worked on by AstraZeneca Pharma, India Limited in collaboration with Oxford University and Serum Institute of India.
“Serum Institute of India has a record of producing around 40 to 50 percent of the WHO (World Health Organisation) mandated vaccination programme vaccines across the world at the cheapest prices,” Srinivasa said.
“…The second and the third vaccines are indigenous vaccines done by Indian companies and (the) Indian Council for Medical Research and Indian bio-tech companies. So they are also in (an) advanced stage,” he added.
According to Srinivasa, a number of countries have already reached out to these companies seeking assistance.
“….They already received requests from various countries to help them out. We are considering the developing countries on the priority list, so that we can share the expertise and the vaccines,” Srinivasa added.
When asked about the cost for the vaccines, the Indian High Commissioner stated, “Indian vaccines will be very cheap”.
Indian has already allocated US$1M to Guyana to help in the fight against COVID-19.
The assistance catered for procurement of life-saving medical supplies and equipment including twenty-nine ventilators, personal protection equipment, face shields, examination gloves, disposable masks, etc.
Minister of Public Health Frank Anthony had previously told Stabroek News that the government is eyeing several COVID-19 vaccines options and to date has held talks with India and Russia on the vaccines they are developing.
