The current need of the hour is a vaccine or cure for the COVID-19 Novel Corona Virus, which is raging across the world as a Pandemic. Russia has already registered the world's first COVID-19 vaccine, called Sputnik V. This vaccine, which was developed jointly by the Russian Direct Investment Fund and the Gamaleya Institute for Epidemiology, is however not being accepted across the world as it has not completed the Phase 3 trials, as yet! There are about 10 other vaccine candidates which are in the most advanced level of Phase 3 trials and if they successfully complete it, can move into the production stage. Trials for a couple of vaccine candidates are happening in India also.
At such a stage, the Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare - Harsh Vardhan, has expressed hope that a COVID vaccine would be ready for usage by early 2021! He said, "We are hopeful that by the beginning of the next year, a vaccine will be available in India." Dr. Harsh Vardhan also mentioned that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the COVID-19 situation in the country. While addressing the Rajya Sabha, he said, "India is making efforts just like other countries" and also added that our PM is monitoring the situation meticulously. Talking about the COVID situation in the country, Harsh Vardhan said, "Under PM Modi's guidance, an expert group is looking at it and we have advanced planning in place. We are hopeful that by the beginning of the next year, a vaccine will be available in India."
Continuing his address, the Health Minister said that the PM, ministers, CMs and state health ministers have been addressing the situation from January 8th and added, "All chief ministers have fought this battle along with the Prime Minister." He also said that even before the first Corona Virus case was detected in our country on January 30th, detailed advisories had been circulated by the government. He mentioned that extensive contact tracing was done for even the very first case and 162 contacts were traced. However, the number of new cases in India is touching nearly 1 lakh everyday and India is now 2nd on the list of countries most affected by the Corona Virus.