Last Updated on 05/05/2021 by Khushi
Image courtesy: Reuters.com
As it struggles to fulfil supply obligations, the Serum Institute of India, which manufactures the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, is preparing to launch vaccine manufacturing in other countries, the chief executive officer claimed.
Last week, Poonawalla said the Serum Institute would be able to increase its monthly production to 100 million doses by July, a month later than a previous estimate of end-May. Vaccines against COVID-19 have run out in some Indian states.
According to the Times, he hoped to increase the Serum Institute’s production potential from 2.5 billion to 3 billion doses per year in six months, and he flew to London before Britain barred Indian travellers eight days ago.
Coronavirus cases and deaths have risen sharply in India, with the world’s second-most populous country reporting more than 300,000 new infections daily for nine days in a row, including a new global high of 386,452 on Friday.
The surge has resulted in a public health emergency, forcing the government to import oxygen, drugs, and other necessities from other countries.
