India to gift 2 million doses of COVID vaccine 'Covishield' to Bangladesh on January 20

India will gift Banglesh 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine 'Covishield' on January 20. A special flight from India carrying Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, locally manufactured by Serum Institute of India, would land at Shahjalal International Airport on January 20. Citing letter by Indian High Commission written to Banglesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ANI reportedly said.

Under ministry, health services division has issued a letter to drug regulator, Directorate General of Drug ministration (DGDA) to take appropriate steps to minister vaccine. vaccines will be received and stored at DGHS facilities, such as Expanded Program on Immunisation (EPI).

RE | Congress Questions Centre On COVAXIN & COVISHIELD's Prices; Asks 'why Export Allowed?'

Meanwhile, Zahid Maleque, Health Minister of Banglesh said that ditional stor for COVID-19 vaccines will be provided by United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF). Banglesh h approved procurement of 30 million doses of Covishield COVID-19 vaccine from India, on January 8.

Banglesh drug regulator Directorate General of DGDA h authorised Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited to import and distribute COVID-19 vaccine from India. In initial six months of first phase, Beximco will procure five million vaccine doses per month. 

RE | Mamata Banerjee 'terrorist' Working For Banglesh, Greatest Threat To Nation: UP Minister

During foreign secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla's visit to Banglesh last year, it was emphasised that Banglesh will be a priority recipient for COVID-19 vaccine developed in India.

Banglesh signs agreement with Serum Institute of India

In vember an agreement was signed between Banglesh government and Serum Institute of India through which Beximco Pharma will avail 30 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine.  vaccine is supposed to be delivered in six instalments of 50 lakh doses each.

After signing agreement Health Minister Zahid Maleq reportedly said that vaccine has proved safe during trials in different countries and is suitable for Banglesh. He also informed that government is in talks with or countries to procure more doses of COVID-19 vaccine. 

RE | First Batch Of Covishield Vaccine Consignments Leave Pune's Serum Institute By Air & Ro

RE | Maharashtra Company Claims 'Covishield' Tremark; Files Suit Against Serum Institute

(With ANI Inputs)