Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare J. P. Nadda unveiled the locally produced tetanus and adult diphtheria (Td) vaccine at the Central Research Institute (CRI) in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. This launch is seen as a significant milestone in enhancing national health security and reinforcing India’s public health system. Nadda commended the efforts of the institute’s personnel, scientists, and technical experts for achieving this historic feat.
The minister highlighted the government’s commitment, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to attain self-reliance in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. He emphasized that the introduction of the indigenous Td vaccine aligns with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat in the health sector. The vaccine is now part of the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) and is set to be supplied with 55 lakh doses by April, with plans for increased production in the coming years to bolster the immunization program.
Nadda also recognized India’s global reputation as a major vaccine manufacturer and the country’s advancements in vaccine regulatory standards. He pointed out that India has achieved Maturity Level III in the World Health Organization’s regulatory benchmarking, showcasing the robustness of its vaccine regulatory framework. The minister praised institutions like CRI for their role in maintaining these high standards and contributing to India’s pharmaceutical prowess.
