Given the rising tide of Covid induced fatalities, the government is under extreme pressure to deliver some vaccine to the population. You are the Cabinet Secretary to the Government of India. You are heading the committee to oversee the process of vaccine development and distribution to fight against the Covid outbreak in the country. You have been asked to expedite the process and come up with a solution at the earliest. Some vaccines are available around the globe, but they are in limited supply and also expensive. One of the indigenously developed vaccine has shown initial positive results, but health experts have raised concerns over its safety, efficacy and the methodology being followed for its approval. Other promising vaccines under development, following a rigorous methodology, may take months to enter the market. In this context: (a) What are the critical issues involved in the case? (b) Explain, with relevant reasons, the course of action that you would take.

(i) Safety of vaccine showing initial results (ii) Need for thorough examination of said vaccine for safety, procedural soundness (iii) Limited supply of international vaccines and high cost (iv) Pressure on government to provide vaccine at the earliest (v) long time for alternative vaccines to evolve (vi) Which section of population to be given vaccine at the earliest (vii) Upholding sanctity of process of vaccine development (viii) Already high COVID fatalities

Course of action

Use of a vaccine which is under doubtful scrutiny for its safety and methodology is neither desirable nor ethical.

(i) As it is given that fatalities are rising, strengthen the care system

• increased testing
• quarantining
• awareness
• institutionalising use of masks
• proper and transparent management of hospital beds

This would ensure that until vaccine is under development, the healthcare is operational. This would help contain spread and reduce fatalities.

(ii) The vaccine which has shown some result should be subject to close scrutiny. → Methodology: Constitute a committee of experts to enquire on methodology

• If methodology is faulty, hold the company accountable and impose penalties to ensure that other vaccine developers do not use this method.
• If methodology is found to be correct, proceed to safety dimensions

→ Safety : Engage with experts who have raised concerns, neutral experts to examine safety

• examine the results of human trials

(iii) If the given vaccine is found to be faulty at any stage, it should not be used or commercialised.

(iv) If vaccine is found to be functional and has followed correct methodology

• identify vulnerable sections like elderly, disabled, pregnant and lactating women

(v) If vaccine is found to be unusable

• source expensive vaccine for high risk sections of population.

• Ensure public about efforts in developing vaccines and other healthcare arrangements

(vi) Expedite vaccine development

• Support under Atmanirbhar Bharat - grants, facilities • encourage use of best practices in development • Engage with WHO and GAVI for supply of international vaccines • Cooperation with global manufacturers.