Bhubaneswar: Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik Wednesday talked to Serum Institute of India CEO Adar Poonawala over a video call and discussed about the progress made on Covid-19 vaccines.
The chief minister expressed happiness that Serum Institute has partnered with Oxford University to develop Covid vaccine. He also congratulated for the recent promising results published in Lancet on Covid vaccine.
Naveen sought his cooperation to keep Odisha as a priority State for vaccination once necessary clearances are obtained.
The chief minister said that the State government will be in touch with Serum Institute for this purpose.
The chief minister also applauded the philanthropic activities carried out by Poonawalla and the foresight in tying up with various research institutions across globe to develop vaccine for covid.
Poonawalla appreciated the chief minister for getting in touch with Serum Institute for knowing about the progress of vaccine and the result published in Lancet.
He said that Oxford University vaccine has shown promising results in the first phase trial. In India, the next phase trial will start in mid August and the vaccine will be ready by October-November this year, he added.
He further said Serum institute and state government can be in touch with each other and carry forwad the collaboration once the vaccines are cleared and ready.
Among others chief secretary, chief advisor to CMO, ACS health and secretary to CM (5T) were present.
