IMA hails Centre for approving emergency use of Russia’s Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine

As India faces a sharp spike in the Covid cases along with vaccine shortage, the expert panel of country’s drug regulator on Monday approved emergency use of Russia’s Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine.

Sputnik V has demonstrated an efficacy rate of 91.6 per cent in the interim analysis of phase 3 clinical trial, which included data on 19,866 volunteers in Russia.

Hailing the move, Indian Medical Association said, “Drug regulator of India has approved the use of Russia’s Sputnik V Covid-19 vaccine in our country.  Indian Medical Association welcomes the third vaccine to safeguard our citizens.”

“Indian Medical Association appeals the Government of India to fasten the vaccination drive. Vaccination is the victory of mankind over the diseases & history has proved it beyond doubt,” it further added in a statement.

IMA had earlier suggested multiple measures to the Centre to curb the latest Covid wave in the country, including allowing vaccination for all and making vaccination certificate mandatory to enter public places.