India will provide 2 million doses of Covishield to Bangladesh on Jan 20

India's Vaccine export to Bangladesh

India is planning to give 2 million doses of Oxford University's Covishield vaccine in January 2020 to eradicate Covid 19 infection. A flight from India carrying the vaccine developed by Serum Institute of India will reach Shahjalal International Airport on Jan 20, as described by letter that Indian High Commission wrote to Bangladesh Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ANI reported.

In the ministry, the health services division sent a letter to the Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) to monitor the flow of vaccines. The vaccines will be securely stored at DGHS facilities such as Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). Meanwhile, Zahid Maleque, the Health Minister of Bangladesh assured additional storage space for COVID 19 that will be arranged by the United Nations Children's Funds (UNICEF). Bangladesh aimed to procure 30 million doses of Covishield COVID 19 vaccine from India by holding talks on January 8.

Bangladesh drug regulator Directorate General of DGDA had appointed Beximco Pharmaceuticals Limited to regulate the flow and distribution of vaccines arriving from India. In the first six months, Beximco will procure 5 million doses per month. In Harsh Vardhan Shringla's visit to Bangladesh last year, it was highlighted that Bangladesh will be a priority recipient for Covid 19 vaccine manufactured in India.

In November, an agreement was signed between Serum Institute of India and Bangladesh government enabling Beximco Pharma to avail 30 million doses of Covid 19 vaccine. The vaccine will reach six installments of 50 lakh doses each. Health Minister Zahid Maleque after finalisation of agreement said that successful trials of vaccines in different vaccines had proven that it will be suitable for Bangladesh. He also threw light on the government's discussions with other countries to avail vaccines.