The Union Health Ministry launched an online portal about Covid-19 on Monday. The web portal will have data on research development, clinical trials on potential Covid-19 vaccine in India, its launch date and other information, said health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan.
“An online portal about Covid-19 vaccine has been launched. Everyone will be able to go online to that portal and look up all contemporary research-development and clinical trials related information. It will also provide information about other vaccinations provided in the country,” he said. The health ministry also said that the first vaccine in India will most likely be available by the first quarter of 2021.
“Research to develop a vaccine is being done expeditiously. There are at least 3 viable such vaccine candidates that are in the phase of clinical trials right now in the country. We’re hopeful that within 1st quarter of 2021 it will be available,” he added.
The health ministry also released the 100-year timeline history of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). “Today’s a historic day for ICMR. It’s an honour for me to release the 100-year timeline of the history of ICMR within its premises today. The contribution of scientists associated with it is commemorated and serves as an inspiration to upcoming scientists,” he said.
