Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:-

(a)        the steps Government proposes to take to address the shortage of vaccines in various States, following the closure of public sector manufacturing units last year;

(b)        whether it is a fact that Government is looking for private companies to meet such demand for the affected States; and

(c)        if so, how does Government proposes to address the cost and accessibility implications that are bound to arise from such a step?

ANSWER

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) & (b): After the suspension of vaccine production at vaccines Institutes of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, vaccine procurement is being carried out from other PSUs as well as private sector to meet the present requirement.

(c):       Vaccine procurement is being carried out on the basis of competitive rates by inviting tenders from other PSUs as well as indigenous private sector units to meet the present requirement. There is no problem in accessibility of vaccines and at present there is no shortage of vaccines.