Page 15 - NIS English February1-15

Interview
Dr V K Paul

It takes eight to ten years to make the

vaccine in a simple way, but India was in

the lead role to invent it

The biggest vaccination drive has begun in world’s largest democracy – India. After
making of the vaccine, prioritising vaccination and protocol, the process of vaccination

is being managed like a poll booth during the time of elections. Consulting Editor of
New India Samachar Santosh Kumar spoke to Chairman of the National Expert Group
on Vaccine Administration of COVID-19 and NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr V K Paul

on the journey of vaccine. Here are some excerpts:
What was the Government’s initial thought
process about dealing with such a huge
pandemic and making the vaccine?
India’s response has been linked to science
and technology during this pandemic. In
the month of April itself, a task force was
constituted and empowered to find scientific
and technical solutions for the vaccine and
create suitable facilities for it. Scientists from
national laboratories and people involved in the
vaccine industry were encouraged together.
When prospects looked bright for the vaccine,
the Government also provided resources and
funds for the same. From the very beginning, the
goal was to invent and produce vaccines in the
country itself. We have succeeded and four more
vaccines are in the trial phase. New vaccines will
also come in the future and production of the
ready vaccines will increase.

How challenging was the journey to make Both our vaccines are completely safe.
indigenous vaccine? A lot of data is available. We have
It was challenging but we didn’t have any doubts experience of testing on thousands
about capabilities of our scientists. The result is of people. It is very robust. Through
in front of everyone. authorisation we have got a chance

How was such a big infrastructure, especially to take it forward. We will understand
the cold chain for the vaccine, created? more once the results come in for the
See, India has a long experience of vaccinating vaccine clinical trials that are currently
pregnant women and children. Every year over underway. With the completion of our
65 Crore vaccines are given in more than 90 trial, we will move forward with more
Lakh sessions. To a large extent, cold chain understanding.
facility was there which was increased as per

New India Samachar 13