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Govt in a position to vaccinate those above the age of 50 from March: Health minister

No new cases reported from 188 districts in past seven days, he said

Union health minister Harsh Vardhan Union health minister Harsh Vardhan

No new coronavirus cases have been reported from as many as 188 districts in the past seven days, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Monday.

During a press conference, the health minister said the government will be in a situation to administer vaccines to those above 50 years of age in March. "A group of experts on vaccination will discuss how the payments will be made for the vaccination of those above 50 years. A formal decision on the funding of the vaccination of this group is yet to be decided," he said.

Harsh Vardhan said 80-85 per cent of frontline workers have been vaccinated. 

At least 18-20 vaccines are in preclinical, clinical and advanced stages, he said and added that these can be expected in the coming months. 

"I believe, if the dream of 'Health for All' is ever to be fulfilled in world, its model will be developed in India. Our holistic approach, ancient medical wisdom, other health facilities and systems collectively will make a model emulatable for the world," the minister was quoted as saying.

The minister claimed that the pandemic strengthened the country's health potential and added that, "We turned a crisis into opportunity. From 1 lab to 2,500 labs, we improved. Genome sequencing, which is being talked about now, has been in Indian labs since May-June last year."

Further, he said no death has been reported due to COVID-19 vaccination, and added that if there was death after the vaccination, it is being investigated.  "Even routine side effects have a negligible number. Relevant stakeholders are working on post-COVID symptoms," he said.

Noting that India has over 97 per cent recovery date, the minister said it seems we are at the beginning of the end towards the COVID war.

The minister pointed out that use of mask helped reduce other infections and disease in the country. "It is crucial that people continue to follow COVID appropriate behaviour which I had called social vaccine, along with real vaccine," he noted.

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