In Gujarat, with the deaths of 11 patients during last 24 hours, the COVID-19 death toll has crossed 3,600 mark. According to State Health Department, the last 100 deaths were recorded in 10 days, compared to the earlier average of eight days.

AIR correspondent reports that the State Government has granted permission to Bharat Biotech for conducting Phase-III clinical trial of COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin. Health and Family Welfare Department of Gujarat Government has given permission to five medical colleges and hospitals to start clinical trial of Covaxin. This indigenous vaccine is developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research ICMR and the National Institute of Virology NIV. 

According to sources, the approval has been given to Bharat Biotech after their application for Phase-III efficiency and safety clinical trials. It will be carried out under stringent rules, regulations and SOPs.

The five medical colleges and hospitals selected for vaccine trial include B. J. Medical College, GMERS Medical College, M.K. Shah Medical College and SGVP Hospital in Ahmedabad and GMERS Medical College in Gandhinagar. Sources said that some other states have also been chosen to make a COVID-19 vaccine available in India.