The Hindu : New Delhi News : ‘Barring vaccine making units has hit immunisation drive’

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Monday, Jul 06, 2009
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‘Barring vaccine making units has hit immunisation drive’

Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI: The suspension order on vaccine manufacturing on three crucial public sector suppliers has the country reeling from a debilitating shortage of vaccines severely affecting its universal immunisation programme, the Centre for Science and Environment has said.

“In January 2008, the Health and Family Welfare Ministry had suspended the licenses of three crucial public sector suppliers of vaccines -- the Central Research Institute (CRI) in Kasauli, BCG Vaccine Laboratory (BSGVL) in Chennai and Pasteur Institute of India (PII) in Coonoor. These three units together met 80 per cent of the country’s vaccine requirement under the universal immunisation programme,” noted a CSE release.

India is the largest supplier of vaccines to the world – accounting for about 60 per cent of the total supply and generating business worth more than Rs.1,900 crore. Yet its domestic market of vaccines stands completely crippled, endangering the health and future of millions of its children, especially newborns.

‘Criminal negligence’

CSE director Sunita Narain said: “A Right to Information application filed by the group revealed that the closure decision was taken after a World Health Organisation inspection found the units lacking in good manufacturing practices.”

“What we have uncovered is shocking – it shows that the Ministry has been particularly and criminally negligent in ensuring alternative supply of life-saving and vital vaccines in the country.”

“But the Ministry refuses to explain why closure was necessary and why steps could not have been taken to improve the functioning of these units. In fact, our investigation finds that the Ministry curtailed its programme to build capacity and improve the functioning of these units,” states the report.

“Clearly this move will only end up benefiting private pharmaceutical companies. The Government, on its part, has not explained how it intends to meet the higher costs of procurement thereafter,” said Ms. Narain.

Quality vaccines

The release noted that there was an urgent need to revive the public sector so that it can supply affordable and quality vaccines. It has also asked the Ministry to provide a time-bound programme for the revival of these units under its 100-day plan.

Asking the Government to ensure adequate and continuous supply of vaccine, Ms. Narain said: “We do believe this concerns the future of our country, our infants and the newborn. It cannot and must not be taken lightly.”

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