Opposition playing politics over local vaccine: Harsh Vardhan

Coming down hard on “vaccine politics” over the use of Bharat Biotech's Covaxin by some opposition-ruled states, Union health minister Harsh Vardhan has said the company's interim efficacy data released on Wednesday has proved its effectiveness and safety beyond doubt.

“There is politics around this vaccine despite all issues being addressed,” he told ET on Friday.

“We have spoken to them (reluctant state governments),” the health minister said. “I have written a letter also, explaining how both the vaccines are safe and effective against Covid-19. The scientists have said it. The company has now proven it with data. Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said this. What more is required?”


He urged the states to start deploying the indigenously manufactured Covid-19 vaccine.

ET had reported in its March 5 edition how opposition-ruled states of Punjab, Chhattisgarh and Kerala have not deployed Covaxin, saying they would await the formal approval of Drugs Controller General of India before using it.

While Kerala on Friday indicated it would deploy Covaxin, Punjab and Chhattisgarh have so far remained firm on their stand.

Harsh Vardhan said this debate had been “created” around Covaxin right from the outset. “We have said from the very beginning that the vaccine is safe. We had data,” he said. “Even experts supported this, and it was their view which prompted DCGI to give the emergency use approval in the first place.”

His party, BJP also lashed out at the opposition-ruled states for playing politics on the issue. “I want to ask, do you not trust our scientists and doctors?” BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said. “Over 40 countries have placed order for Covaxin. But in India we have people doing politics over it for their selfish political interests.” Chhattisgarh health minister T S Singh Deo, however, said the state government had a moral responsibility towards its people. “It is a matter of just a few days when DCGI approval will come. We will start using Covaxin then,” he said.