Prime Minister Narendra Modi today chaired a high-level meeting to review the planning and preparations for vaccination against COVID-19 as and when the vaccine is available.

The Prime Minister noted that vaccination of India’s vast and diverse population will need to factor in issues including those related to management of medical supply chains, prioritization of at-risk population, coordination between different agencies involved in the process, as well as the role of private sector and civil society in this national endeavour.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi enunciated four guiding principles that will form the foundation of this national effort.

He said, the first principle is that the vulnerable groups should be identified and prioritized for early vaccination such as  doctors, nurses, healthcare workers, non-medical frontline corona warriors, and vulnerable people among the general population.

He said, the second principle is that vaccination of anyone, anywhere should take place without imposition of any domicile related restrictions for getting the vaccine while the third is that vaccination must be affordable and universal and  no person should be left behind.

He said, the fourth principle is that the entire process from production to vaccination should be monitored and supported in real time with the use of technology.

Mr Modi directed the officials to evaluate in a broad manner available technology options that can form the backbone of the national endeavor to vaccinate all in the most efficient and timely manner.

The Prime Minister also directed that a detailed planning for such large scale vaccination should be undertaken immediately.

The current status of vaccine development efforts were also reviewed at the meeting.

The Prime Minister highlighted India’s commitment to play an enabling role in the vaccination efforts against COVID-19.