Centre Blocks Serum’s 50 Lakh Vaccine Export To UK

India is going through a crunch of Covid-19 vaccine supply and the two main companies that are manufacturing the vaccines are not meeting the demand. Under these circumstances, Serum Institute of India (SII) wanted to supply 50 Lakh doses to the United Kingdom (UK) and accordingly they have approached the Centre for approval.

Having been at the receiving end of the criticism on vaccine supply, the Centre has turned down Serum’s request. There was also international pressure on the Indian government but they did not bow down and they knew of the consequences if the approvals were given.

The Centre clarified to the Serum Institute that Indians first and with the availability of 50 lakh doses, states have been informed to approach SII to procure the vaccine. From May 1^st, India has started vaccinating 18 to 45 years old but in many states this drive did not initiate owing the shortage of vaccines.

At last the Centre has taken a wise decision to block Serum’s request and these 50 lakh doses would be highly helpful as India is still reporting over 3 lakh cases daily.