Along with China-made pandemic, India seems to be also fighting a misinformation pandemic of massive proportions. After reports trickled in that the Central government has not placed any new order for vaccines, both the Modi government and Serum Institute of India have come out and rubbished such reports.
After a section of media came out with a report which alleged that the Centre has not placed any fresh order for Covid-19 vaccines, the Modi government labelled the report as ‘incorrect’.
A press statement by the Union ministry of health and family welfare, read, “The news reports suggest that the last order placed with the two vaccine makers (100 million doses with SII and 20 million doses with Bharat Biotech) was in March 2021. These media reports are completely incorrect, and are not based on facts.”
The report which was widely picked up became a major cause of concern especially at a time when various vaccination centres across the country reportedly are running out of vaccines.
According to the report which has been discredited by the government, “The last order placed with the two vaccine makers — 100 million doses with SII and 20 million doses with Bharat Biotech — was in March. Industry sources revealed that the final tranche of deliveries of this order will be completed within the next few days.”
The Centre in its rebuttal stated that a 100% advance of ₹1,732.50 crores was released to Serum Institute of India on April 28 for 11 crore doses of Covishield vaccine during May, June and July.
The Modi government in its statement said, “As on date, against the last order of 10 crore doses for supplies of Covishield vaccine, 8.744 crore doses have been delivered till 03.05.2021.”
Centre added, “Additionally, 100% advance of ₹787.5 crore (after TDS Rs. 772.50 crore) was released on 28.04.2021 to Bharat Biotech India Ltd for 5 crore Covaxin doses during May, June and July, and was received by them on 28.04.2021. As on date against the last order of 2 crore doses for supplies of Covaxin vaccine, 0.8813 crore doses have been delivered till 03.05.2021.”
Following the government’s rebuttal, Serum Institute of India while quoting the Health Ministry’s statement said, “We endorse this statement, & the authenticity of the information. We have been working closely with the Government of India for the past year & thank it for its support. We remain committed to ramping up our vaccine production to save every life we can.”
We endorse this statement, & the authenticity of the information. We have been working closely with the Government of India for the past year & thank it for its support. We remain committed to ramping up our vaccine production to save every life we can. https://t.co/tLVPjOMp51
— SerumInstituteIndia (@SerumInstIndia) May 3, 2021
Unfortunately, a section of media even in these unprecedented times refuse to play a constructive role, as their hatred for the Modi government and the lifesaver Serum Institute of India, has crossed all limits.