Grant emergency license to local units: PHDCCI
Even for homegrown vaccine by Bharat Biotech, Covaxin patent could be purchased by the government at a fair price and immediately release (the patent) to whoever can manufacture the vaccine. This is one way to ramp up the production
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New Delhi THE PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) has submitted a letter to the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan urging the central government to provide necessary directions on the third phase of the Covid vaccination drive and establish supply continuity of the vaccines to the private sector before easing into the new distribution system.
The letter was submitted to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on April 25, 2021, two weeks after the unprecedented outbreak of the deadly virus in a second wave. The letter states, "It is important to note that at this crucial juncture of this national fight, any transition discontinuity will impact the most vulnerable section of the population, the 45+ year age group, many of whom will come back to the private sector for their vaccination (either second or first shot) as also the 18-45 age group who will have to struggle to get vaccines at private facilities."
On the vaccine manufacturing capacity of India, Sanjay Aggarwal, President, PHDCCI, told Bizz Buzz that not just Covid vaccines but critical drugs, such as Remdisivir, required for Covid infected patients, emergency license should be granted to local manufacturers for six months.
"Even for homegrown vaccine by Bharat Biotech, Covaxin patent could be purchased by the government at a fair price and immediately release (the patent) to whoever can manufacture the vaccine. This is one way to ramp up the production," Aggarwal said that the PHDCCI has sent the letter to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and Director General of Drugs as well.
On demand side, PHDCCI mentioned that a steep rise in demand (for vaccine) can be foreseen due to the relaxation in age criteria as well the current severe pandemic wave. The institution further said that the immunisation drive should not lose traction on the 45+ age group vaccination group, particularly the ones eligible for second dosage, and continue to vaccinate 100 per cent of the frontline workers.
On the supply chain of Covid vaccine, PHDCCI further explained, "From the data we've been able to gather, the best estimate of production seems to be 70 million doses/month from Serum Institute of India (SII) (hoping to ramp up to 100 million/month by July-August); and ~1-2 million doses/month from Bharat Biotech (hoping to ramp up to 2.5 million /month by July)...We believe that any new manufacturer entering India will not be able to match up to these volumes over next 3 months and that indicates a severe demand when run rate of vaccination at present is 3.5 million doses per day and supplies only add up to 75 per cent to 80 per cent of the demand." PHDCCI President, in the letter, suggested that significant spike in incremental demand for vaccination will be seen in May when the government and health institutions would be looking at adding a new pool of 500 million people in the 18 to 45 age bracket who will expect their first dose of vaccines.
In the letter, the think tank has given recommendation such as to ensure continuity of supplies through government channels for at least 90-120 days till the private sector establishes its procurement channels and supply chains, andestablish a single window for private sector to procure vaccines and reimburse costs to ensure un- interrupted supplies.
PHDCCI also recommended that the central government should clarify the rules of import of vaccines and establish a nodal agency or contact point for industry to get speedy clearances done in conformation of stipulated government order.
