"Not Rocket Science...": AIIMS Chief On Supply Of Covid Vaccines

Over 1.45 lakh new Covid cases were reported in 24 hours this morning - the fourth straight day with over one lakh new infections in a 24-hour period

Predicting the global clamour for coronavirus vaccines - even as early as six months ago, when several candidates were still in late-stage clinical trials - could not have been "rocket science", AIIMS chief Dr Randeep Guleria told NDTV Friday night, as the centre responded to Serum Institute CEO Adar Poonawalla's admission about existing production facilities being "very stressed". Dr Guleria's comment comes two days after Mr Poonawalla told NDTV that the Serum Institute - makers of the Covishield vaccine, which is one of two in use in India - needed Rs 3,000 crore and three months to scale up production to meet demand from both Indian and foreign governments. "(on manufacturing capacity)... something the manufacturer has to do. They were aware of the (need to) supply not only India but the rest of the world. To say now they will start manufacturing... demand was always going to be huge. Didn't need rocket science to tell you that even six months ago," he said. "... can't advise on finances but am sure they would have been enough investors ready to support ramping up of manufacturing. The world wants vaccines... we have 50 candidates undergoing clinical trials because people see this not only as something for humanity, but also market value," he added.