NEW DELHI, Jan 7, 2021 (BSS) – The air transportation of Covid-19 vaccines to different parts of the country is expected to begin by this evening or tomorrow as Indian government has prepared a detailed draft to this end.
“For vaccine transportation across the country, a common draft has been made. It will shortly be shared with stakeholders. The transportation of vaccine is likely to begin by today or tomorrow,” the NDTV reported today quoting official sources.
The report said that the Indian government has made several mini-hubs in the country for transportation of COVID-19 vaccines. “There are a total 41 destinations (airports) across the country finalised for delivery of vaccines”.
It added that Pune will be the central hub from where the distribution of vaccines will take place across the country. Passengers aircraft will be allowed to transport vaccines in the belly of the carrier.
“Since the Pune airport is under the Indian Air Force, they will also be a part of it,” the sources told the private TV channel.
Giving details, sources told NDTV that Delhi and Karnal will be made mini-hubs for northern India for distribution of the vaccines while Kolkata and Guwahati will be mini-hubs for the eastern region and Chennai and Hyderabad will be the designated points for southern India, the NDTV quoted Aviation Ministry as saying.
An internal meeting with several stakeholders and the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Health Ministry with Cargo and airport operators has already taken place regarding the transportation of Covid-19 vaccines across the nation.
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) on Sunday gave final approval to two Coronavirus vaccines-Covishield and Covaxin- manufactured in India by Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech Ltd for “restricted emergency use” to fight coronavirus.
The Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan told media recently that the two vaccines will be ready for rollout in 10 days from the “emergency use” authorization approvals.
The Indian government has held the first mock drill of the vaccines on January 2 to 3 in 265 districts in different states and Union Territories (UTs) to ensure efficient planning and management for vaccine delivery.
The second mock drill would be held in 700 plus districts across the country tomorrow to this end.
However, India has allowed import and export of COVID-19 vaccines without any value limitation, in order to ensure speedy clearance and distribution, according to the amended Courier Imports and Exports (Electronic Declaration and Processing) Amendment Regulations, 2020.
The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has amended the regulations to facilitate the import/export of COVID-19 vaccines through courier, at locations where the Express Cargo Clearance System (ECCS) is operational, the regulations added.