NCP (SP) MLA Jayant Patil has written to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressing his opposition to the proposed sale of the seed strain of DPT (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus) vaccines to a private company. Patil emphasized the significance of the Haffkine Bio-Pharmaceutical Corporation in vaccination and its capability to produce DPT vaccines. He highlighted the rare and valuable nature of the seed strain, objecting to its potential sale due to its market value and historical importance.
Patil underscored the legacy of scientist Waldemar Haffkine, for whom the institution was named, noting his altruistic approach to vaccine development for the benefit of humanity. He criticized the move to sell the seed strain without regard for these principles, urging the government to withdraw the proposal. Patil advocated for Haffkine to independently produce vaccines to ensure affordability and strengthen the public healthcare system, rather than transferring the seed strain to a private entity.
During the budget session on March 24, Maharashtra Congress Legislature Party leader Vijay Wadettiwar also raised concerns about transferring the vaccine strain from the Haffkine Institute to a private company. Wadettiwar questioned the institute’s decision-making process and the urgency behind inviting an Expression of Interest for the sale. He highlighted the historical and financial value of the DPT vaccine strain, expressing reservations about handing over such a significant asset to a private entity.
