The Central government reiterated that a plan is ready to vaccinate the entire eligible population of the country against COVID-19 by the end of the year. Minister of State for Home G Kishan Reddy said the government is expecting 250 crore vaccine doses to be available by December 2021.

The minister also informed that the government was in discussions with Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson to being their COVID-19 vaccines to India.

“The government has made action plans to vaccinate all by the end of December (2021) and for production of 250 crore vaccine doses after speaking to several pharma companies. Sputnik arrived in Hyderabad yesterday; discussions are on to get Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson too,” Reddy told reporters today.

The minister pointed out that the government had even relaxed import rules so that private hospitals can import COVID-19 vaccines from abroad.

“India stands third compared to other countries, in terms of vaccinating its citizens. We have simplified import rules so private hospitals can import vaccines. The vaccination drive will run for the next 7-8 months. Be assured that everyone will get the vaccine,” the union minister said.

The remarks came on a day when sources said that the Union government is mulling to give indemnity against legal proceedings to Pfizer and Moderna similar to the ones granted by other countries.

Health Ministry sources said the indemnity against liability, as asked for by vaccine manufacturers Pfizer and Moderna, will not prove to be an issue provided these companies apply for Emergency Use Authorisation in India.

Also today, the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) removed the requirement of specific bridging trials of COVID-19 vaccines which have been approved by international regulatory bodies like the US FDA. The decision paves way for foreign vaccines to make their way into India.