The US, UK and European countries have already started vaccinations. China and Russia have their own vaccines, and have commenced vaccinations. UAE has led the Middle East and has already started the Pfizer vaccinations. Even expatriates with local residency are taking advantage of this facility.

In contrast, India with a population of 1.4 billion, does not have a vaccine cleared as yet. There have been no COVID-19 vaccinations in India, yet. Pfizer has sought clearance, but its applications are yet pending. There are a few local vaccine candidates, which are yet undergoing trials. The Oxford vaccine, being manufactured in India, has also not been cleared. India with 10.2 million cases of COVID-19 needs to move expeditiously to clear some vaccines. It will be a major challenge to vaccinate around a billion people, within three to six months.

We have to lift the global economy out of the black hole it has fallen into. We need to recuperate public confidence. The revitalization of the economy in 2021, depends entirely on the success of the vaccines being administered. Every farmer or street-cleaner must have easy access to them. Moreover, just two or three vaccines are inadequate. We need 15 to 20 vaccines, to be available at arm’s length, within a kilometre of everyone’s home, shop, farm or office. Ideally, they should be free. The vaccines should be as easily available, as a packet of salt or sugar or chips. Only then, COVID-19 will be vanquished.

Rajendra Aneja
Mumbai, India