India could play a big role in the manufacture & supply of COVID-19 vaccines, says Bill Gates

Guwahati: Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has predicted that India couldpotentially play a "big role" in manufacturing the COVID-19 vaccine and its "willingness" to supply to other developing countries will be a critical part in containing the pandemic on a global scale.

Once the vaccine becomes available, Bill Gates said, the world will be keeping its eyes on India for manufacturing the vaccine in bulk to control the virus.

In a recent interview, Gates, whose foundation has been fighting the pandemic in its own way, termed the virus outbreak as the "next biggest thing" after the two World Wars which caused widespread destruction.

Gates also touched on India's strength in the production of vaccines and referred to companies like Serum Institute, Bio E, and Bharat Biotech. Incidentlly, these companies are also involved in trying to find a vaccine cure for the rampaging virus.

Gates also said that his foundation has been having "great discussions" with India's NITI-Aayog. He also informed that the ICMR is looking at the regulatory aspects of the COVID-19 vaccines.

The Microsoft co-founder further went on to add that the focus should be to keep the cost of the vaccines low and it should be ensured that they can be made in very high volume.

In the interview, Gates also complimented India's digital cash transfer scheme, stating that the "whole Aadhaar digital financial system in India has proven to be once again a huge asset."

It is pertinent to mention here that scientists and pharmaceutical companies across the globe are trying to find a vaccine for the coronavirus pandemic which has killed more than 9 lakh people across the globe.

Some of the vaccine candidates have entered the third and final phase of testing, giving rise to hope that they will be rolled out soon for public use.

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