People in Gujarat’s Surat, who are yet to receive a second dose of a coronavirus disease (Covid-19) vaccine, will not be allowed to enter public places such as gardens and zoos, the city’s municipal corporation has announced. Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) said that this rule will be applicable from November 15.

“At least 668,000 people in Surat are yet to receive their second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine despite crossing their due date. In many cases, they haven’t taken their second dose, even though it’s almost 250 days since they received their second jab, and the gap is only going to widen. And all this despite repeated calls, messages and door-to-door campaigns.

Therefore, it has been decided to prevent such people from entering public places, the official said. The Municipal Commissioner further said, “They will not be allowed to enter public parks, parks, zoos, aquariums, science centers etc. They will also not be allowed to board the city’s BRT buses.”

According to the civic body, Surat has vaccinated around 62 per cent of the beneficiaries with both doses of a COVID-19 vaccine, meaning that those vaccinated have completed full immunization against the viral disease.

According to the Gujarat Health Department, a total of 426,000 vaccine doses were administered in the state on Saturday, taking the total number of doses administered so far to 74.1 million. 37 more people tested positive in the western state, of which eight cases were detected in Surat. The cumulative infection tally is 826,924, which includes an undiagnosed death toll of 10,090. Meanwhile, the recovered and active cases stand at 816,608 and 226 respectively.

The post In Gujarat’s Surat, people will not allowed in public place who has not taken COVID-19 vaccine so far appeared first on The Daily Voice.

The efficacy rate was confirmed through an evaluation of 130 confirmed cases, with 24 seen in the vaccine group against 106 in the placebo group.

As per the Phase 3 data, Covaxin was found to be 65.2 percent effective against delta variant, 93.4 percent effective against severe symptomatic COVID and 63.6 percent effective against asymptomatic COVID.

Dr Krishna Ella, CMD, Bharat Biotech, said, “An authoritative voice in global medicine, The Lancet has the potential for peer-review of Covaxin Phase III clinical trial data, data transparency and meeting the world’s stringent peer-review standards. -Leading medical journals. This achievement reflects the trust placed by my team members at Bharat Biotech, our public partners, the Indian Council of Medical Research, the National Institute of Virology and our trial participants who have done so. did.

The Phase 3 trial efficacy and safety study involved 25,800 volunteers at 25 sites in India and is the country’s largest clinical trial so far conducted for a COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr. Balram Bhargava, Director General, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) said, “I am pleased to see that Phase III efficacy data has also been published in The Lancet, one of the most prestigious journals across the world. This in itself speaks highly of Covaxin’s strong position among other global front-runner COVID-19 vaccines.”

He said, “Covaxin’s bedside visit in less than 10 months showcased the immense strength of “Atmanirbhar Bharat” in building a niche in the global community along with Indian academia and industry and fighting against the odds.”

On 3 November, the World Health Organization approved emergency use for Bharat Biotech’s COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin, in a move the pharma major said was a “critical step” towards ensuring wider global access to the indigenously developed jab. “Step.

An independent advisory committee of the world body, announced by the WHO after the Technical Advisory Group (TAG), recommended emergency use list (EUL) status for Covaxin, and “additional clarification” from Bharat Biotech by TAG in October A few days after being asked. 26 To conduct a final “risk-benefit assessment” of the vaccine for global use.

The post Covaxin phase 3 data shows 77.8% efficacy against symptomatic Covid-19, says Lancet appeared first on The Daily Voice.

3 November 2021, Wednesday
The World Health Organization has said that it has accepted Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for its emergency use list. The WHO’s technical advisory group last week asked Bharat Biotech to conduct a “risk-benefit assessment” of the final emergency use list for additional clarifications for its COVID-19 vaccine. The WHO had earlier said that it “trusts Indian industry” after the delay in approval.

🆕 WHO has granted emergency use listing (EUL) to #COVAXIN® (developed by Bharat Biotech), adding to a growing portfolio of vaccines validated by WHO for the prevention of #COVID19. pic.twitter.com/dp2A1knGtT

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 3, 2021

The Technical Advisory Group, which licenses a vaccine for its Emergency Use List (EUL), asked Bharat Biotech on October 26 for additional data to conduct a final risk-benefit assessment before approving the Covid-19 jab for the EUL. was asked for. Government sources with knowledge of the development said the company had submitted the data last week.

What took so long?
The WHO approval process for a vaccine consists of four stages, acceptance of the manufacturer’s expression of interest (EOI), a pre-submission meeting between WHO and the manufacturer, acceptance of the dossier for evaluation by the WHO, decision on the status of the evaluation, and final approval decision.

Bharat Biotech submitted an Emergency Use List (EUL) application to the World Health Organization (WHO)-Geneva in May. On 23 June, WHO held a pre-submission meeting with Bharat Biotech. A senior Hyderabad-based pharma company official was quoted by Times of India as saying that once Bharat Biotech submits the entire Covaxin phase-3 clinical trial data, the dossier will be completed and for review by the health body. will be taken. The official had said that the company expects the review process of Covaxin’s EUL application to begin after the submission of the efficacy study data in July.

According to reports, all the documents required for the emergency use list were submitted to the WHO on 19 July. However, the process was further delayed when Covaxin failed to obtain approval from the US Food and Drug Administration based on “insufficient information”. . Bharat Biotech’s US partner Ocugen said that the company will achieve full approval for Covaxin. The FDA also urged the company to conduct an additional test so that it can file for a Biologics License Application (BLA), which is full approval.

After a long wait, the locally manufactured COVID vaccine got EUL approval in early November, a day before India celebrated Diwali.

How will India benefit?
From easing international travel to export of indigenous vaccines, India as a country is likely to benefit greatly from the approval of the WHO manufactured vaccine.

Many countries have lifted their travel restrictions due to the decline in COVID cases around the world. Recently, the United Arab Emirates lifted the ban on entry of fully vaccinated residents of several countries, including India. While some countries such as Guyana, Iran, Mauritius, Mexico, Nepal, Paraguay, Philippines, Zimbabwe, Estonia (which has approved the jab for their vaccine passports) have already approved Covaxin, WHO approval today Many other countries will open their doors to citizens. From India. In addition, it is also likely to make travel easier for Indians who wish to travel because of education, work or other personal purposes.

Oman on Wednesday added Covaxin to the approved list of COVID-19 vaccines for travel, lifting the quarantine requirements for travelers from India who have received two doses of the vaccine at least 14 days before the estimated arrival date. Travel platforms said they are seeing an uptick in bookings for destinations that are accepting Covaxin such as Greece, Sri Lanka.

An emergency use approval would also encourage countries to import Covaxin, facilitate its manufacture overseas, and make travel easier for those vaccinated with it. The emergency list would also mean that Covaxin could be used for Covax, a global vaccine alliance, later to vaccinate people in several developing countries.

Hungary and Paraguay had earlier approached New Delhi to export one million doses of Covaxin, with the first offering to the European Union.

Decisions on exports are of commercial nature and should be made by Bharat Biotech.

Read in Hindi: कोविड -19: लंबे समय से प्रतीक्षित कोवैक्सिन को आखिरकार आपातकालीन उपयोग के लिए डब्ल्यूएचओ की मंजूरी मिल गई

The post Covid-19 : Long-awaited Covaxin finally got WHO approval for emergency use appeared first on The Daily Voice.

The IMF in its report based on “consultations” among members, however, cautioned that the economic outlook remains “cloudy” due to uncertainties related to the pandemic, which contribute to both downside and upside risks.

A health worker collects a swab for rapid antigen testing from a farmer in his field during a door-to-door vaccination campaign amid the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, in Banaskantha district in the western state of Gujarat. (Representative image: Reuters)

Describing the Indian government’s response to the COVID-19 situation as “rapid and adequate”, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said the country has continued labor reforms and privatization despite the pandemic.

The IMF in its report based on “consultations” among members, however, cautioned that the economic outlook remains “cloudy” due to uncertainties related to the pandemic, which contribute to both downside and upside risks.

In its “Article IV” advisory report, it further said that the continued negative impact of COVID-19 on investment and other growth drivers could prolong the economic recovery.

On the Indian government’s handling of the pandemic, the multilateral agency said it was “swift and substantial … It included financial support, including support to vulnerable groups, monetary policy easing, liquidity provision, and adjustments to financial sector and regulatory policies.” Huh. “.

“Despite the pandemic, authorities continue to implement structural reforms, including labor reforms and a privatization plan,” the report said.

The IMF has projected India’s economic growth to be 9.5 percent in the financial year 2021-22 and 8.5 percent in 2022-23. Headline inflation is projected at 5.6 per cent in 2021-22 amid higher price pressures.

“The economic outlook remains cloudy due to pandemic-related uncertainties, contributing to both downside and upside risks. The continued negative impact of COVID-19 on investment, human capital and other growth drivers could prolong recovery and moderate period may affect growth,” the IMF said.

It further said that while India benefits from favorable demographics, disruption in access to education and training due to the pandemic can improve human capital.

At the same time, the recovery may also be faster than expected, it said, adding that faster vaccination and better medical science can help in limiting the spread and impact of the pandemic.

In addition, successful implementation of the announced comprehensive structural reforms could enhance India’s growth potential, the IMF said.

Under Article IV of the IMF’s Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year.

The post IMF hails India’s ‘rapid and adequate’ response to COVID-19 crisis appeared first on The Daily Voice.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reviewed the Covid-19 vaccination campaign in the country. Amid complaints of shortage of COVID-19 vaccines in several states and union territories, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged officials to ensure that there is no wastage of vaccines, as until recently, the wastage numbers were high.

Modi also held a review meeting on Friday to take stock of the vaccination drive in the country and said the Center is helping vaccine manufacturers to get more production units, funding and supply of raw materials.

The developments come in the backdrop of the Union Health Ministry announcing that the cumulative number of Covid-19 vaccine doses administered in the country crossed 22.75 crore on Friday, with 33,57,713 doses administered during the last 24 hours.

Officials on Friday briefed Modi about the current availability of vaccines and the roadmap to increase it. He was also apprised of the efforts being made to help various vaccine manufacturers to accelerate the production of vaccines.

“The Government of India is actively working with vaccine manufacturers advertising, helping them facilitate more production units, funding and supply of raw materials,” the PMO said.

The PMO said that the Prime Minister also took stock of the status of immunization coverage among healthcare workers above 45 and in the age group of 18-44 as well as frontline workers.

The officials also apprised them about the various measures being taken on the technical front to make the process of vaccination more people friendly.

They were apprised about the advance visibility being provided to the states on the availability of the vaccine, the officials said, adding that the states have been asked to provide this information at the district level so that people do not face any inconvenience.

The PMO said Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar besides several top bureaucrats attended the meeting.

The post Covid vaccine wastage high, states should ensure that it is brought down: PM Modi appeared first on The Daily Voice.

#United2fightCorona@CSIR_NEERI has developed 'Saline Gargle #RTPCR Method' for testing #COVID19 samples; you can get the result within 3 hours

Watch Dr. Krishna Khairnar, Senior Scientist, Environmental Virology Cell, NEERI explaining how to use👇@IndiaDST@CSIR_IND pic.twitter.com/mxpYTlt7lC

New Delhi: Since the outbreak of the global pandemic Covid-19, India has been taking several steps to enhance the infrastructure and capacity to test it. Scientists at the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), Nagpur, under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), have created another record in this link, under which ‘salt’ for testing samples of Covid-19 (Saline Gargle) RT-PCR method has been found with the water of water.

Many benefits from one method: simple, fast, comfortable and economical
This method of salt water gagare (Céline Gargle) brings many benefits together. This method is simple, fast, cost-effective, patient-friendly and comfortable and also results quickly. Given the minimum infrastructure requirements.

This method is suitable for rural and tribal areas. Speaking to the Press Information Office, Dr. Krishna Khairnar, Senior Scientist, Environmental Virology Cell at the National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI), said: “The swab collection method requires time.

In addition, since the infected infected with this technique can also face some discomfort during the investigation, they can sometimes be uncomfortable. Also, the samples collected in this way take some time to be taken to the collection center and testing center. On the other hand, RT-PCR method of gargle (saline gargle) with salt water is immediate, comfortable and patient friendly. The sample is taken immediately and the results will be available within three hours. ”

The patient can collect his own sample
According to Dr. Khairnar, this method is non-invasive and so simple that the patient can collect the sample himself. He stated that, “Collection methods such as collecting nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs by the nose and by mouth require technical expertise and also take time. In contrast, RT-PCR of salt water gargle (Céline Gargle) The method uses a simple collection tube filled with salt water (saline water).

The patient gargles with this solution and pours it inside the tube. This sample in the collection tube is transported to the laboratory where it A special buffer solution (solution) is prepared by NEERI at room temperature. On heating this solution, an RNA template is prepared, which is further processed for reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

This particular method of collecting and processing a sample enables us to use it in place of other expensive structural requirements of RNA extraction. People can also test it themselves, because this method can use its own sample ( Sample) can be taken by itself. ” This method is also environmentally friendly, as it has minimal waste production.

Boon for testing in rural and tribal areas
Scientists hope that this unique testing technique will prove particularly beneficial for rural and tribal areas where infrastructure requirements may yet pose an obstacle. This non-technology has received the approval of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Also NEERI has been asked to arrange the necessary training trained to other testing laboratories to help in its use across the country.

The Nagpur Municipal Corporation has given permission to proceed this process, after which the testing has started as per the accepted testing protocol in NEERI.

“Need to implement across India”
Scientists, researchers and lab-technicians of the Environmental Virology Cell (Environmental Virology Cell) at NEERI have made untiring efforts to develop this patient-friendly technology amid growing Covid-19 infections in the Vidarbha region. Dr. Khairnar and his team hope that this method will be implemented at the national level, resulting in faster and more citizen-friendly trials, further strengthening our fight against pandemics.

The post NEERI finds unique method of RT-PCR test for Covid-19 test, no swab, cheap, simple and quick result appeared first on The Daily Voice.

New Delhi: Many kinds of misleading are being spread about India’s Covid-19 vaccination program. These misleading are spreading due to erroneous statements, half-truths and openly spoken lies. Dr. Vinod Paul, Member (Health) in the NITI Aayog and Chairman of the National Expert Group on Vaccine Management for Covid-19 (NEGVAC), while dismissing the lies related to all these misleading, the true facts on all these issues Have given

Misleading and true facts are as follows:

Misleading 1: The Center is not making enough efforts to buy vaccines from abroad

Fact: The central government has been in constant contact with all the major international vaccine manufacturers since the mid-2020s. There have been several rounds of conversations with Pfizer, J&J and Moderna. The government has offered them all kinds of assistance to supply and / or manufacture their vaccines in India. However, it is not the case that their vaccines are available for free supply. We need to understand that buying vaccines internationally is not the same as buying ‘off the shelf’ items. Globally vaccines are in limited supply, and companies have their own preferences, plans and compulsions in allocating limited stock. 

They also prioritize their countries of origin like our own vaccine manufacturers have done for us without any hesitation. Since Pfizer indicated the availability of the vaccine, the central government and the company have been working together for the earliest import of the vaccine.

As a result of the efforts of the Government of India, the sputum vaccine trials were accelerated and with timely approval, Russia has already done skillful technology transfer by sending two vaccine installments to our companies and now very soon these companies will also manufacture it. Will start We reiterate our request to all international vaccine manufacturers to come to India and make vaccines for India and the world.

Misleading 2: The Center has not approved globally available vaccines

Fact: The central government has simplified the process of obtaining vaccines approved by the US FDA, EMA, UK MHRA and Japan’s PMDA and WHO’s Emergency Use List in India in April itself. These vaccines will not be required to undergo prior bridging tests. The provision has now been further amended to completely eliminate the testing requirement for better tested and tested vaccines manufactured in other countries. No application of any foreign manufacturer is pending with the Controller of Drugs for approval.

Misleading 3: The Center is not making enough efforts to accelerate domestic production of vaccines

Fact: Since the beginning of 2020, the central government has been playing an effective role as an enabler to enable more companies to produce vaccines. There is only 1 Indian company (Bharat Biotech) which has IP. The Government of India has ensured that in addition to India increasing its biotech plants, 3 other companies / plants will start production of covaxine, which has now increased from 1 to 4. The production of covaccine is being increased from 1 crore per month to 10 crore months by October by Bharat Biotech. Additionally, the three PSUs will aim to produce up to 40 million doses by December. With the continued encouragement of the government, the Serum Institute is increasing the covishield production of 6.5 crore doses per month to 11.0 crore doses per month.

The Government of India in partnership with Russia is also ensuring that Sputnik will be built by 6 companies in coordination with Dr. Reddy. The central government is supporting the efforts of Zydus Cadila, BioE as well as Genoa’s own indigenous vaccines with generous funding under the COVID protection scheme, as well as technical assistance in national laboratories. The development of a single dose intranasal vaccine of Bharat Biotech is also progressing well with Government of India funding, and could be a grand achievement for the world.

The production of over 200 crore doses by our vaccine industry by the end of 2021 is the result of similar efforts and continued support and partnership. With regard to these efforts being made in traditional as well as state-of-the-art DNA and mRNA platforms, how many countries can only dream of building with such huge potential. The Government of India and vaccine manufacturers have acted as a Team India in this mission with uninterrupted engagement on a daily basis.

Misleading 4: Center must implement compulsory licensing

Fact: Compulsory licensing is not a very attractive option because it is not a ‘formula’ that matters much, but requires the highest level of active participation, training of human resources, raw material sourcing and bio-safety laboratories . Technology transfer is a key and is under the control of a company that has done research and development.

In fact, we have gone a step ahead of compulsory licensing and are ensuring active participation between Bharat Biotech and 3 other entities to increase production of covaxine. A similar arrangement is being followed for Sputnik. Think about this: Moderna said in October 2020 that she would not sue any of the companies that make her vaccine, but not a single company has done so, suggesting that licensing is the smallest problem. If the vaccine was so easy to make, why would there be such a shortage of vaccine supplements in developed countries?

Misleading 5: The Center has relinquished its responsibility to the states

Fact: The central government is carrying out all kinds of tasks, from funding the vaccine manufacturers to expeditiously approving them to speed up production to bring foreign vaccines to India. The vaccine, purchased by the Center, is fully supplied to the states to be administered free of cost to the people. It is all in the cognizance of the states. The Government of India has only enabled the states to try to procure vaccines themselves, after making explicit requests of their own.

The states were well aware of the production capacity in the country and the difficulties in procuring vaccines directly from abroad. In fact, the Government of India ran the entire vaccine program from January to April and it was much better administered than in May. But the states that did not achieve good coverage towards vaccination of health workers and frontline personnel in these 3 months wanted to open up the vaccination process and decentralize it.

Health is a state subject and the liberalized vaccine policy was the result of frequent requests by states to give them more rights. The fact that their global tenders yielded no results, and it also confirms what we have been telling the states since day one: that there is a small supply of vaccines in the world and that it is easier to buy them in a shorter period of time. Is not.

Misleading 6: The Center is not giving enough vaccines to the states

Fact: The Center is allocating enough vaccines to the states in a transparent manner as per the set guidelines. Actually, the states are also being informed about the availability of the vaccine in advance. Vaccine availability is set to increase in the near future and a much larger supply will be possible. In the non-governmental medium, states are receiving 25% dose and private hospitals are receiving 25% dose. However, the difficulties and problems faced by the states in giving these 25% doses to the people are greatly exaggerated. The behaviour of some of our leaders who, despite full knowledge of the facts on vaccine supply, appear daily on TV and cause panic among the people is very unfortunate. This is not the time to do politics. We all need to be united in this fight.

Misleading 7: The Center is not taking any steps to vaccinate children

Fact: As of now, no country in the world is giving vaccines to children. Also, the WHO has not recommended any vaccination of children. Studies have been done about the safety of vaccines in children, and have been encouraging. Trial on children is going to start soon in India too. However, vaccination of children should not be decided on the basis of the panic being spread in WhatsApp groups and because some politicians want to do politics on it. This decision has to be taken by our scientists only after sufficient data is available on the basis of tests.

The post Here’s What are the misleading and actual facts on India’s vaccination process appeared first on The Daily Voice.

The most worrying thing is that in the second wave of Corona Virus, hundreds of doctors also fell victim to it. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) said that 420 doctors including 100 in Delhi succumbed to the second wave of epidemic due to corono virus infection, which has created an atmosphere of fear among health workers in hospitals.

The news agency ANI quoted the Doctors’ Association as saying that at least 96 doctors have died in Bihar and 41 in Uttar Pradesh. Earlier this week, the top medical body reported that 270 doctors have died due to the corono virus. These included former IMA President Dr. KK Aggarwal, who died of the deadly virus on Monday. He was 65.

The IMA said in an official statement on its Twitter account that Dr. Aggarwal, who took both the vaccine supplements, died at 11.30 pm on Monday after a long fight with Kovid.

According to IMA’s Kovid-19 data, 748 doctors died due to the disease in the first wave of the epidemic.

“The second wave of the epidemic is proving to be extremely deadly for everyone, and especially for the leading health workers,” said IMA President Dr JA Jayalal at the beginning of the week.

On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became emotional talking about those who lost their lives with the virus. He thanked doctors and frontline workers during a video conference with health workers in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, PM Modi said, “In the second wave of Corona, we are fighting on many fronts simultaneously. The rate of infection is also very high and patients are in the hospital for a long time. “

Corona continues to wreak havoc across the country
Please tell that in India today (on Saturday), more than two and a half lakh cases of corona were reported. The Union Health Ministry today informed that 2,57,299 fresh Covid-19 infection cases were reported in the country in the last 24 hours and there were 4,194 deaths due to this deadly disease. However, 3,57,630 corona-infected people also recovered during this period.

Significantly, a total of 2,62,89,290 cases of corona have been reported so far in India, while 2,30,70,365 have been recovered from infected Kovid. While 2,95,525 people died due to the virus. Corona currently has 29,23,400 active cases in India.

Let us know that the vaccination drive in India is also going on fast. A total of 19,33,72,819 people have been given vaccine doses so far.

(With agency inputs)

The post The second wave of corona virus killed 420 doctors, including 100 in Delhi, data released by IMA appeared first on The Daily Voice.