Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan today expressed hope that COVID-19 vaccine would be available in the country by early next year. He informed that three vaccine candidates have reached the clinical trial stage of Phase one, two and three. He appealed to the people to adopt the social distancing and Do Gaz Ki Doori as a social vaccine until the arrival of the vaccine.

Replying to a discussion in Rajya Sabha on COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country, he said, an Expert Committee is working on the development of the vaccine by giving all the necessary support to the various bodies.

He said India is working with WHO and other international organizations in the direction of vaccine development.

Appreciating the role of COVID warriors in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic, he said, the Prime Minister has taken every decision with the help of experts and the government tried to resolve every issue related to this disease.

He said, India started the fight against the COVID-19 disease from the initial days and fought this battle with honest and meticulous manner. He added that effective contract tracing, surveillance mechanism and lockdown reduced the number of COVID-19 cases and mortality.

The Minister said, the government provided every support to the State Government and strengthened the laboratories network across the country to improve the COVID testing mechanism.

He added that the country is conducting 11 lakh COVID tests every day and within a few days India will be the first country in the total numbers of tests. He said India has achieved self-reliance in the production of PPE kits and N-95 masks within a short span of time.

Earlier, participating in the discussion, Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena stressed that States and the Centre must come together to fight with Corona disease and challenges ahead. He highlighted the works done by the Maharashtra Government during this pandemic. Praful Patel of NCP said that there should not be any politics and blame game on this issue.

Binoy Viswam of CPI demanded that the Centre should ensure proper supply of oxygen to States. Sanjay Singh of Aam Adami Party attacked the Centre and Uttar Pradesh Government over their lapses in the fight against Coronavirus.

On the other hand, Dr Sudhanshu Trivedi of BJP said that COVID-19 is the biggest challenge before mankind. He said India made great strides in the COVID testing facilities and production of PPE kits and N-95 masks.