India's former health minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday (March 3) announced his decision to quit politics. A doctor by profession, Vardhan said&nbsp;his clinic awaits his return.

The development comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Mar 2) announced its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The ruling party dropped four sitting MPs - Harsh Vardhan, Parvesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri and Meenakshi Lekhi in Delhi, choosing new faces.

In a long farewell message that he shared on his official X handle, Vardhan said that he would go back to his "roots" and continue making efforts "against tobacco and substance abuse, against climate change and teaching simple and sustainable lifestyles."

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After over thirty years of a glorious electoral career, during which I won all the five assembly and two parliamentary elections that I fought with exemplary margins, and held a multitude of prestigious positions in the party organisation and the governments at the state and…
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/drharshvardhan/status/1764196695426974120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"After over thirty years of a glorious electoral career, during which I won all the five assembly and two parliamentary elections that I fought with exemplary margins, and held a multitude of prestigious positions in the party organisation and the governments at the state and centre I finally bow out to return to my roots," he said.

"Service to mankind was my motto when I joined MBBS in GSVM Medical College, Kanpur fifty years back with a desire to help the poor and needy. A swayamsewak at heart, I have always been an ardent admirer of Deen Dayal Upadhyay ji's Antodaya philosophy of striving to serve the last man in the queue. It was at the insistence of the then RSS leadership that I jumped into the electoral fray. They could convince me only because for me politics meant opportunity to fight our three main enemies - poverty, disease and ignorance," he added.

The former minister's post added: "Without remorse, I must say that it has been a marvelous innings during which my passion to serve the common man was quenched. I served as Delhi Health Minister as well as twice Union Health Minister, a subject close to my heart. I had the rare opportunity bestowed upon me to be able to first work towards creating a Polio free Bharat and then to take care of the health of millions of our countrymen grappling with the dreaded COVID-19 during its first and second phases".

"In the long history of mankind, only a few have been granted the privilege to defend their people in hours of gravest danger! And I can proudly claim that I didn't shirk responsibility, but welcomed it. My gratitude to Ma Bharati, my reverence to my fellow citizens and my obeisance to the values enshrined in our Constitution. And yes, that was the biggest privilege that Bhagwan Shri Ram bestowed upon me, the privilege of being able to save human lives !!,"&nbsp;Harsh Vardhan said. 
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Watch: BJP finalises its first 195 candidates from 16 states for Lok Sabha Polls 2024 | BJP Candidate List

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"I would like to thank all my party karyakartas, my fans and supporters amongst the common citizens as well as my party leaders .. all of whom have contributed to this remarkable journey spanning over three decades," he wrote.

"I must acknowledge that I consider it a great privilege to have worked closely with the most dynamic Prime Minister in India's history, Shri Narendra Modi ji. The country wishes him a heroic return to power again."

"I shall continue to pursue my work against tobacco and substance abuse, against climate change and teaching simple and sustainable lifestyles. A big shout out for all those who stood by me like a rock while I clocked many firsts and led a fulfilled political life," he wrote.

"I move on, I really can't wait. I have promises to keep .. and miles to go before I sleep !! I have a dream .. and I know your blessings shall always remain with me. My ENT clinic at Krishna Nagar too awaits my return," he said. &nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2024-bjp-releases-first-list-of-195-candidates-pm-modi-to-contest-from-varanasi-695970">Also read:&nbsp;Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP releases first list of 195 candidates, PM Modi to contest from Varanasi</a> 
 
The announcement soon drew appreciation from a bevy of political leaders and Twitterati who praised the popular leader for gracefully retiring from politics and for his dedication to serving humanity.

<h2>Jayant Sinha, Gautam Gambhir request BJP to relieve them from political duties</h2>

Earlier, BJP leader Jayant Sinha and former World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir requested the party to relieve them from political duties.

Sinha, stating that he wished to focus on efforts to combat climate change, requested party president JP Nadda to relieve him of "direct electoral duties".

Taking to his official social media handle he wrote, "I have requested Hon'ble Party President Shri @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my direct electoral duties so that I can focus my efforts on combating global climate change in Bharat and around the world. Of course, I will continue to work with the party on economic and governance issues. I have had the privilege of serving the people of Bharat and Hazaribagh for the past 10 years."

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I have requested Hon’ble Party President Shri <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPNadda</a> ji to relieve me of my direct electoral duties so that I can focus my efforts on combating global climate change in Bharat and around the world. Of course, I will continue to work with the party on economic and governance…
— Jayant Sinha (@jayantsinha) <a href="https://twitter.com/jayantsinha/status/1763854032861327747?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Gambhir stated that he wanted to focus on his upcoming cricket commitments.

“I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!,” Gambhir wrote on his official X handle. &nbsp;

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I have requested Hon’ble Party President <a href="https://twitter.com/JPNadda?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JPNadda</a> ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji and Hon’ble HM <a href="https://twitter.com/AmitShah?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AmitShah</a> ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!
— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) <a href="https://twitter.com/GautamGambhir/status/1763785102268772777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Some reports say that both the MPs were not very popular in their respective constituencies and the party had made it clear that the MPs who did not perform as per expectations would not be included in the list this time.

Which is why the move seems like a dignified exit for the leaders, the reports added.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's former health minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday (March 3) announced his decision to quit politics. A doctor by profession, Vardhan said his clinic awaits his return.

India's former health minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday (March 3) announced his decision to quit politics. A doctor by profession, Vardhan said his clinic awaits his return. The development comes after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday (Mar 2) announced its first list of 195 candidates for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. The ruling party dropped four sitting MPs - Harsh Vardhan, Parvesh Verma, Ramesh Bidhuri and Meenakshi Lekhi in Delhi, choosing new faces. In a long farewell message that he shared on his official X handle, Vardhan said that he would go back to his "roots" and continue making efforts "against tobacco and substance abuse, against climate change and teaching simple and sustainable lifestyles." After over thirty years of a glorious electoral career, during which I won all the five assembly and two parliamentary elections that I fought with exemplary margins, and held a multitude of prestigious positions in the party organisation and the governments at the state and… — Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) March 3, 2024 × "After over thirty years of a glorious electoral career, during which I won all the five assembly and two parliamentary elections that I fought with exemplary margins, and held a multitude of prestigious positions in the party organisation and the governments at the state and centre I finally bow out to return to my roots," he said. "Service to mankind was my motto when I joined MBBS in GSVM Medical College, Kanpur fifty years back with a desire to help the poor and needy. A swayamsewak at heart, I have always been an ardent admirer of Deen Dayal Upadhyay ji's Antodaya philosophy of striving to serve the last man in the queue. It was at the insistence of the then RSS leadership that I jumped into the electoral fray. They could convince me only because for me politics meant opportunity to fight our three main enemies - poverty, disease and ignorance," he added. The former minister's post added: "Without remorse, I must say that it has been a marvelous innings during which my passion to serve the common man was quenched. I served as Delhi Health Minister as well as twice Union Health Minister, a subject close to my heart. I had the rare opportunity bestowed upon me to be able to first work towards creating a Polio free Bharat and then to take care of the health of millions of our countrymen grappling with the dreaded COVID-19 during its first and second phases". "In the long history of mankind, only a few have been granted the privilege to defend their people in hours of gravest danger! And I can proudly claim that I didn't shirk responsibility, but welcomed it. My gratitude to Ma Bharati, my reverence to my fellow citizens and my obeisance to the values enshrined in our Constitution. And yes, that was the biggest privilege that Bhagwan Shri Ram bestowed upon me, the privilege of being able to save human lives !!," Harsh Vardhan said. Watch: BJP finalises its first 195 candidates from 16 states for Lok Sabha Polls 2024 | BJP Candidate List × "I would like to thank all my party karyakartas, my fans and supporters amongst the common citizens as well as my party leaders .. all of whom have contributed to this remarkable journey spanning over three decades," he wrote. "I must acknowledge that I consider it a great privilege to have worked closely with the most dynamic Prime Minister in India's history, Shri Narendra Modi ji. The country wishes him a heroic return to power again." "I shall continue to pursue my work against tobacco and substance abuse, against climate change and teaching simple and sustainable lifestyles. A big shout out for all those who stood by me like a rock while I clocked many firsts and led a fulfilled political life," he wrote. "I move on, I really can't wait. I have promises to keep .. and miles to go before I sleep !! I have a dream .. and I know your blessings shall always remain with me. My ENT clinic at Krishna Nagar too awaits my return," he said. Also read: Lok Sabha polls 2024: BJP releases first list of 195 candidates, PM Modi to contest from Varanasi The announcement soon drew appreciation from a bevy of political leaders and Twitterati who praised the popular leader for gracefully retiring from politics and for his dedication to serving humanity. Jayant Sinha, Gautam Gambhir request BJP to relieve them from political duties Earlier, BJP leader Jayant Sinha and former World Cup winner Gautam Gambhir requested the party to relieve them from political duties. Sinha, stating that he wished to focus on efforts to combat climate change, requested party president JP Nadda to relieve him of "direct electoral duties". Taking to his official social media handle he wrote, "I have requested Hon'ble Party President Shri @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my direct electoral duties so that I can focus my efforts on combating global climate change in Bharat and around the world. Of course, I will continue to work with the party on economic and governance issues. I have had the privilege of serving the people of Bharat and Hazaribagh for the past 10 years." I have requested Hon’ble Party President Shri @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my direct electoral duties so that I can focus my efforts on combating global climate change in Bharat and around the world. Of course, I will continue to work with the party on economic and governance… — Jayant Sinha (@jayantsinha) March 2, 2024 × Gambhir stated that he wanted to focus on his upcoming cricket commitments. “I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind!,” Gambhir wrote on his official X handle. I have requested Hon’ble Party President @JPNadda ji to relieve me of my political duties so that I can focus on my upcoming cricket commitments. I sincerely thank Hon’ble PM @narendramodi ji and Hon’ble HM @AmitShah ji for giving me the opportunity to serve the people. Jai Hind! — Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) March 2, 2024 × Some reports say that both the MPs were not very popular in their respective constituencies and the party had made it clear that the MPs who did not perform as per expectations would not be included in the list this time. Which is why the move seems like a dignified exit for the leaders, the reports added. (With inputs from agencies)

Lok Sabha polls 2024: Former health minister Harsh Vardhan quits politics, says ‘my clinic awaits my return’

In India's race to power day after the Bhartiya Janata Party named Pawan Singh as the contestant from Asansol soul for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls, the Bhojpuri singer has said that he would not be contesting the elections. Another BJP leader Dr Harsh Vardhan quits politics, says bowing out to return to his (medical) roots. Watch to know more!

Lok Sabha Polls 2024 | Former Union Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan bows out of active politics

India as the host of the G20 is expected to hold over 200 meetings across the country. WION's senior news anchor Molly Gambhir spoke with Harsh Vardhan Shringla, the chief coordinator for India's G20 Presidency about New Delhi's priorities and India-China relations.

Exclusive: Chief Coordinator for India's G20 Presidency Harsh Vardhan Shringla speaks to WION

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that India is in the "endgame of the novel coronavirus pandemic" and to succeed at this stage politics should be kept out of the COVID-19 vaccination drive.

"We are in the end game of the COVID-19 pandemic in India" and to succeed at this stage, Harsh Vardhan said.

He said people should trust the science behind vaccines and ensure that their near and dear ones get vaccinated on time.

Speaking at the Delhi Medical Association's (DMA's) 62nd Annual Delhi State Medical Conference (MEDICON 2021) in collaboration with Dharamshila Narayana Hospital on Sunday, Vardhan said over 2 crore COVID-19 vaccine shots have been administered so far and the vaccination rate has been increased to 15 lakhs per day.

"Unlike most other countries, we have a steady supply of COVID-19 vaccines that are safe with proven immunogenicity and efficacy. Based on the initial results, these Made in India vaccines have shown some of the lowest adverse events following immunization (AEFI) anywhere in the world," he said.

Vardhan asserted that today children in the entire world need to be vaccinated against poliomyelitis only because Pakistan and Afghanistan failed to eradicate this disease from their respective countries, the statement said.

"Similarly, India cannot be safe from coronavirus and COVID19 if the rest of the world continues to be unsafe, which is why it is essential to curb COVID-19 vaccine nationalism.

"If poor and underdeveloped countries continue to harbour the novel coronavirus, we shall not be able to ensure safety for all. A fair and equitable distribution of the vaccine is the biggest need of the hour," he said.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India, has emerged as the world's pharmacy, and it supplied 5.51 crore COVID-19 vaccines to 62 different countries, he said.

"At a time of global crisis, under the leadership of Modi Ji, India has emerged as an example to the world in international cooperation," he was quoted as saying in the statement.

"It was Modi ji's insistence that COVID-19 vaccines should be provided with no strings attached, and the countries without the vaccine supply should not be taken advantage of at the time of a global humanitarian crisis," he said.

Looking at the possibility of eradication of COVID-19 in India, Vardhan said, "We are in the end game of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, and to succeed at this stage, we need to follow 3 steps: Keep politics out of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, trust the science behind COVID-19 vaccines, and ensure our near and dear ones get vaccinated on time.

The government has already involved private players in COVID-19 vaccination, and if hospitals want, they can conduct vaccination 24x7, the minister said.

"My request to everyone is that just like people embraced 'Jan Andolan for COVID-19 appropriate behaviour', they should embrace Jan Andolan for COVID-19 vaccination and get all COVID-19 vaccine shots whenever they are eligible," he said.

Delhi Medical Association (DMA) honoured Vardhan for his contribution to the medical fraternity and outstanding service and exemplary work during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health Ministry said in a statement.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) and frontline workers, not just in this room, but across India, rose to the occasion and sacrificed not only their time with family, but also their own mental, physical and emotional health for this beloved nation, Vardhan said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that India is in the "endgame of the novel coronavirus pandemic" and to succeed at this stage politics should be kept out of the COVID-19 vaccination drive.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that India is in the "endgame of the novel coronavirus pandemic" and to succeed at this stage politics should be kept out of the COVID-19 vaccination drive. "We are in the end game of the COVID-19 pandemic in India" and to succeed at this stage, Harsh Vardhan said. He said people should trust the science behind vaccines and ensure that their near and dear ones get vaccinated on time. Speaking at the Delhi Medical Association's (DMA's) 62nd Annual Delhi State Medical Conference (MEDICON 2021) in collaboration with Dharamshila Narayana Hospital on Sunday, Vardhan said over 2 crore COVID-19 vaccine shots have been administered so far and the vaccination rate has been increased to 15 lakhs per day. "Unlike most other countries, we have a steady supply of COVID-19 vaccines that are safe with proven immunogenicity and efficacy. Based on the initial results, these Made in India vaccines have shown some of the lowest adverse events following immunization (AEFI) anywhere in the world," he said. Vardhan asserted that today children in the entire world need to be vaccinated against poliomyelitis only because Pakistan and Afghanistan failed to eradicate this disease from their respective countries, the statement said. "Similarly, India cannot be safe from coronavirus and COVID19 if the rest of the world continues to be unsafe, which is why it is essential to curb COVID-19 vaccine nationalism. "If poor and underdeveloped countries continue to harbour the novel coronavirus, we shall not be able to ensure safety for all. A fair and equitable distribution of the vaccine is the biggest need of the hour," he said. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India, has emerged as the world's pharmacy, and it supplied 5.51 crore COVID-19 vaccines to 62 different countries, he said. "At a time of global crisis, under the leadership of Modi Ji, India has emerged as an example to the world in international cooperation," he was quoted as saying in the statement. "It was Modi ji's insistence that COVID-19 vaccines should be provided with no strings attached, and the countries without the vaccine supply should not be taken advantage of at the time of a global humanitarian crisis," he said. Looking at the possibility of eradication of COVID-19 in India, Vardhan said, "We are in the end game of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, and to succeed at this stage, we need to follow 3 steps: Keep politics out of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, trust the science behind COVID-19 vaccines, and ensure our near and dear ones get vaccinated on time. The government has already involved private players in COVID-19 vaccination, and if hospitals want, they can conduct vaccination 24x7, the minister said. "My request to everyone is that just like people embraced 'Jan Andolan for COVID-19 appropriate behaviour', they should embrace Jan Andolan for COVID-19 vaccination and get all COVID-19 vaccine shots whenever they are eligible," he said. Delhi Medical Association (DMA) honoured Vardhan for his contribution to the medical fraternity and outstanding service and exemplary work during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Health Ministry said in a statement. Healthcare workers (HCWs) and frontline workers, not just in this room, but across India, rose to the occasion and sacrificed not only their time with family, but also their own mental, physical and emotional health for this beloved nation, Vardhan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Union Health Minister says India is in the 'endgame of Covid-19 pandemic'

The number of COVID-19 cases in the country saw an increase in the last 24 hours with 18,599 new cases, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Monday.

The active cases also registered an increase for the sixth consecutive day and the COVID-19 active caseload increased to 1,88,747 which now comprises 1.68 per cent of the total infections.

The recovery rate has dropped further to 96.91 per cent, the data stated.

A total of 18,599 new infections were registered in a day, while the death toll increased to 1,57,853 &nbsp;with 97 &nbsp;daily new fatalities, &nbsp;the data updated at 8 am showed.&nbsp;

India is currently in the midst of the second phase of the vaccination drive, with as many as 2,09,89,010 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines administered so far.

As per the Indian Council of Medical Research, a total of 22,19,68,271 COVID-19 tests have been reported so far, including 5,37,764 in the last 24 hours.

(With inputs from agencies)

The number of COVID-19 cases in the country saw an increase in the last 24 hours with 18,599 new cases, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Monday.

The number of COVID-19 cases in the country saw an increase in the last 24 hours with 18,599 new cases, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare informed on Monday. The active cases also registered an increase for the sixth consecutive day and the COVID-19 active caseload increased to 1,88,747 which now comprises 1.68 per cent of the total infections. The recovery rate has dropped further to 96.91 per cent, the data stated. A total of 18,599 new infections were registered in a day, while the death toll increased to 1,57,853 with 97 daily new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. India is currently in the midst of the second phase of the vaccination drive, with as many as 2,09,89,010 doses of the COVID-19 vaccines administered so far. As per the Indian Council of Medical Research, a total of 22,19,68,271 COVID-19 tests have been reported so far, including 5,37,764 in the last 24 hours. (With inputs from agencies)

India records 18,599 Coronavirus cases in a day, active tally up again

Fundamental and translational science is important but it has be solution-based and people-centric, Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday.

Speaking on the occasion of National Science Day, Vardhan said it is the problems of the people that should be guiding the intellectual acumen while pursuing research.

"We have to make sure that the science that we do of course, the fundamental science is important, translational science is important (but) it has to be solution-based science. It has to be people-centric," Vardhan said in a virtual address.

The National Science Day is celebrated on this day to mark the anniversary of the Raman Effect, the discovery made by Indian physicist Sir C V Raman.&nbsp;

Elaborating on the budgetary allocations for this sector in 2021-22, Vardhan said there has been a hike of 30 per cent for all the scientific ministries.

Projects like Deep Ocean Mission, with an outlay of Rs 4,000 crore over the next five years, are also being launched, he said.

Speaking at the event, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Ashutosh Sharma stressed on the need of inter-disciplinary research.

He said inter-disciplinary research is the foundation of science and it is also the future.

"We talk of being inter-disciplinary only because we have created water-tight disciplines. But problems are multi-dimensional," he said.&nbsp;

Sharma said the future is built on data information and Industry 4.0 is all about it. Earlier industries, he noted, were built into controlling the flow of materials and energy.

The important aspects of the future of science and technology are diversity, inclusion and equity, he said.

The future problems need a shared perspective with regards to gender, people from different geographical locations and transcending the barriers of age, he added.

Fundamental and translational science is important but it has be solution-based and people-centric, Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday.

Fundamental and translational science is important but it has be solution-based and people-centric, Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday. Speaking on the occasion of National Science Day, Vardhan said it is the problems of the people that should be guiding the intellectual acumen while pursuing research. "We have to make sure that the science that we do of course, the fundamental science is important, translational science is important (but) it has to be solution-based science. It has to be people-centric," Vardhan said in a virtual address. The National Science Day is celebrated on this day to mark the anniversary of the Raman Effect, the discovery made by Indian physicist Sir C V Raman. Elaborating on the budgetary allocations for this sector in 2021-22, Vardhan said there has been a hike of 30 per cent for all the scientific ministries. Projects like Deep Ocean Mission, with an outlay of Rs 4,000 crore over the next five years, are also being launched, he said. Speaking at the event, Department of Science and Technology Secretary Ashutosh Sharma stressed on the need of inter-disciplinary research. He said inter-disciplinary research is the foundation of science and it is also the future. "We talk of being inter-disciplinary only because we have created water-tight disciplines. But problems are multi-dimensional," he said. Sharma said the future is built on data information and Industry 4.0 is all about it. Earlier industries, he noted, were built into controlling the flow of materials and energy. The important aspects of the future of science and technology are diversity, inclusion and equity, he said. The future problems need a shared perspective with regards to gender, people from different geographical locations and transcending the barriers of age, he added.

Science should be solution-based, people-centric: Vardhan

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Monday that 18-19 potential vaccines against novel coronavirus were in different stages of clinical trials, adding that no new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in 188 districts of the country in the last 7 days.

"About 18-20 vaccine candidates against COVID-19 are in the pipeline and are in preclinical, clinical and advanced stages," Vardhan said.

"Some are in Phase I, some in Phase II, and a few approaching Phase III of the clinical trials. We are elated to have a huge portfolio soon," he said at a press conference here.

Dispelling rumours surrounding the vaccines, Vardhan said the vaccines in the public domain are safe and effective. He said no new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in 188 districts of the country in the last 7 days, while no new cases have been reported in 21 districts in 21 days.

Vardhan further urged people to keep following COVID appropriate behaviour. "It is crucial that people continue to follow COVID appropriate behaviour which I call social vaccine, along with real vaccines," he said. India has approved two vaccines -- Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech and Covishield from the Oxford/AstraZeneca stable being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India -- for emergency use in the country.

Till 8 AM on February 15, the cumulative number of healthcare workers (HCW) and frontline workers (FLW) vaccinated against COVID-19 in the country has reached nearly 83 lakh.

A total 82,85,295 beneficiaries have been vaccinated through 1,73,729 sessions, as per the provisional report till 8 am. These include 59,88,113 HCWs (1st dose), 24,561 HCWs (2nd dose) and 22,72,621 FLWs (1stdose).

India's cumulative recoveries have surged to 1,06,21,220 with9,489patients having recuperated in a span of 24 hours. The ministry said 79.5 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in six states.

The Union government has prioritised vaccination of 30 crore Indians, dividing them into three categories -- one crore healthcare workers, 2 crore frontline workers, and 27 crores general populace above the age of 50.

On January 3, the Drugs Controller General of India had approved 'Covishield' vaccine developed by Pune-based Serum Institute of India and 'Covaxin' of Bharat Biotech for emergency use authorisation in the country.

Both vaccines have been provided in the nationwide immunisation drive, that was kicked off on January 16. Till Sunday, more than 8 million (82,85,295) doses of vaccines had been administered across India. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Monday that 18-19 potential vaccines against novel coronavirus were in different stages of clinical trials, adding that no new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in 188 districts of the country in the last 7 days.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Monday that 18-19 potential vaccines against novel coronavirus were in different stages of clinical trials, adding that no new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in 188 districts of the country in the last 7 days. "About 18-20 vaccine candidates against COVID-19 are in the pipeline and are in preclinical, clinical and advanced stages," Vardhan said. "Some are in Phase I, some in Phase II, and a few approaching Phase III of the clinical trials. We are elated to have a huge portfolio soon," he said at a press conference here. Dispelling rumours surrounding the vaccines, Vardhan said the vaccines in the public domain are safe and effective. He said no new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in 188 districts of the country in the last 7 days, while no new cases have been reported in 21 districts in 21 days. Vardhan further urged people to keep following COVID appropriate behaviour. "It is crucial that people continue to follow COVID appropriate behaviour which I call social vaccine, along with real vaccines," he said. India has approved two vaccines -- Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech and Covishield from the Oxford/AstraZeneca stable being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India -- for emergency use in the country. Till 8 AM on February 15, the cumulative number of healthcare workers (HCW) and frontline workers (FLW) vaccinated against COVID-19 in the country has reached nearly 83 lakh. A total 82,85,295 beneficiaries have been vaccinated through 1,73,729 sessions, as per the provisional report till 8 am. These include 59,88,113 HCWs (1st dose), 24,561 HCWs (2nd dose) and 22,72,621 FLWs (1stdose). India's cumulative recoveries have surged to 1,06,21,220 with9,489patients having recuperated in a span of 24 hours. The ministry said 79.5 per cent of the new recovered cases are observed to be concentrated in six states. The Union government has prioritised vaccination of 30 crore Indians, dividing them into three categories -- one crore healthcare workers, 2 crore frontline workers, and 27 crores general populace above the age of 50. On January 3, the Drugs Controller General of India had approved 'Covishield' vaccine developed by Pune-based Serum Institute of India and 'Covaxin' of Bharat Biotech for emergency use authorisation in the country. Both vaccines have been provided in the nationwide immunisation drive, that was kicked off on January 16. Till Sunday, more than 8 million (82,85,295) doses of vaccines had been administered across India. (With inputs from agencies)

No new cases in 188 districts in a week, 18 covid vaccine candidates in the pipeline: Health Minister

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Monday announced that the population above 50 years of age will get start receiving the COVID-19 vaccine from March onward.

“We will be in a situation to administer vaccines to those above 50 years of age in March,” he said. “It is crucial that people continue to follow COVID appropriate behaviour which I had called a social vaccine, along with real vaccines,” he added. He said that no new coronavirus infections were reported in 188 districts in the country during the last seven days.&nbsp;

"About 18-20 vaccine candidates against COVID-19 are in the pipeline and are in preclinical, clinical and advanced stages," Vardhan said.

He further said that India will be supplying vaccines to 20-25 other countries.

Dispelling rumours surrounding the vaccines, Vardhan said the vaccines in the public domain are safe and effective.

He said no new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in 188 districts of the country in the last 7 days, while no new cases have been reported in 21 districts in 21 days.

Vardhan further urged people to keep following COVID appropriate behaviour.

"It is crucial that people continue to follow COVID appropriate behaviour which I call social vaccine, along with real vaccines," he said.

India has approved two vaccines -- Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech and Covishield from the Oxford/AstraZeneca stable being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India -- for emergency use in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Monday announced that the population above 50 years of age will get start receiving the COVID-19 vaccine from March onward.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Monday announced that the population above 50 years of age will get start receiving the COVID-19 vaccine from March onward. “We will be in a situation to administer vaccines to those above 50 years of age in March,” he said. “It is crucial that people continue to follow COVID appropriate behaviour which I had called a social vaccine, along with real vaccines,” he added. He said that no new coronavirus infections were reported in 188 districts in the country during the last seven days. "About 18-20 vaccine candidates against COVID-19 are in the pipeline and are in preclinical, clinical and advanced stages," Vardhan said. He further said that India will be supplying vaccines to 20-25 other countries. Dispelling rumours surrounding the vaccines, Vardhan said the vaccines in the public domain are safe and effective. He said no new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in 188 districts of the country in the last 7 days, while no new cases have been reported in 21 districts in 21 days. Vardhan further urged people to keep following COVID appropriate behaviour. "It is crucial that people continue to follow COVID appropriate behaviour which I call social vaccine, along with real vaccines," he said. India has approved two vaccines -- Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech and Covishield from the Oxford/AstraZeneca stable being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India -- for emergency use in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid-19 vaccination for people above 50 years will begin from March: Harsh Vardhan 

With coronavirus vaccines in the spotlight, it appears that the biggest challenge govts around the world may face is vaccine hesitancy.

Concerns over safety and the efficacy of the vaccines have been high in common public and could pose a challenge for the governments in carrying out the vaccination.

That hesitancy was most prevalent in Russia, with just 15% of people surveyed willing to get vaccinated as soon as possible and only a further 25% comfortable with the idea of doing so within a year.

In the US, it found a total of 59% of people were willing to get vaccinated within a year with just 33% happy to do so as soon as possible. The highest levels of trust were recorded in India, with 51% looking forward to taking up the vaccine opportunity immediately and a further 29% within a year, for a total of 80%.

In India, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had appealed to people not to be misguided by "rumours" and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine, stressing that there would be no compromise on any protocol while approving it.

“I appeal to people not to pay heed to rumours. Ensuring the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is our priority. Different kinds of rumours were spread during polio immunisation but people took the vaccine and India is now polio-free,” Harsh Vardhan was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

With coronavirus vaccines in the spotlight, it appears that the biggest challenge govts around the world may face is vaccine hesitancy. Concerns over safety and the efficacy of the vaccines have been high in common public and could pose a challenge for the governments in carrying out the vaccination.

With coronavirus vaccines in the spotlight, it appears that the biggest challenge govts around the world may face is vaccine hesitancy. Concerns over safety and the efficacy of the vaccines have been high in common public and could pose a challenge for the governments in carrying out the vaccination. That hesitancy was most prevalent in Russia, with just 15% of people surveyed willing to get vaccinated as soon as possible and only a further 25% comfortable with the idea of doing so within a year. In the US, it found a total of 59% of people were willing to get vaccinated within a year with just 33% happy to do so as soon as possible. The highest levels of trust were recorded in India, with 51% looking forward to taking up the vaccine opportunity immediately and a further 29% within a year, for a total of 80%. In India, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan had appealed to people not to be misguided by "rumours" and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine, stressing that there would be no compromise on any protocol while approving it. “I appeal to people not to pay heed to rumours. Ensuring the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is our priority. Different kinds of rumours were spread during polio immunisation but people took the vaccine and India is now polio-free,” Harsh Vardhan was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

Covid vaccine hesitancy: Mistrust could threaten, limit coronavirus vaccine rollout

As India is about to begin a dry run to assess the preparedness to roll out the coronavirus vaccine in the country, the&nbsp;Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has claimed the vaccine will be available free of cost in India.

"Not just in Delhi, it (vaccine) will be free across India," Dr Vardhan said while speaking to the local media.

His statement came after he visited a hospital in the capital city New Delhi to review the situation before India begins a mass vaccination drive. When he was asked if the vaccine will be available free of cost for the locals of Delhi, he claimed all Indians will be administered the shot free of cost.

He also took to Twitter to confirm the news. "In 1st phase of #COVID19Vaccination free #vaccine shall be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that incl 1 crore healthcare &amp; 2 crore frontline workers," he tweeted. "Details of how further 27 cr priority beneficiaries are to be vaccinated until July are being finalised."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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In 1st phase of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19Vaccination?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19Vaccination</a> free <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/vaccine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#vaccine</a> shall be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that incl 1 crore healthcare &amp; 2 crore frontline workers 
Details of how further 27 cr priority beneficiaries are to be vaccinated until July are being finalised <a href="https://t.co/K7NrzGrgk3">pic.twitter.com/K7NrzGrgk3</a>
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/drharshvardhan/status/1345265266767237120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2021</a></blockquote>
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New Delhi has three dry run centres: GTB hospital, Daryaganj and Srinivaspuri, Vardhan visited the GTB hospital on Saturday morning to check the staff's preparedness and review the situation.

The announcement has come as India awaits approval for emergency use of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine.&nbsp;

As India is about to begin a dry run to assess the preparedness to roll out the coronavirus vaccine in the country, the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has claimed the vaccine will be available free of cost in India.

As India is about to begin a dry run to assess the preparedness to roll out the coronavirus vaccine in the country, the Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan has claimed the vaccine will be available free of cost in India. "Not just in Delhi, it (vaccine) will be free across India," Dr Vardhan said while speaking to the local media. His statement came after he visited a hospital in the capital city New Delhi to review the situation before India begins a mass vaccination drive. When he was asked if the vaccine will be available free of cost for the locals of Delhi, he claimed all Indians will be administered the shot free of cost. He also took to Twitter to confirm the news. "In 1st phase of #COVID19Vaccination free #vaccine shall be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that incl 1 crore healthcare & 2 crore frontline workers," he tweeted. "Details of how further 27 cr priority beneficiaries are to be vaccinated until July are being finalised." In 1st phase of #COVID19Vaccination free #vaccine shall be provided across the nation to most prioritised beneficiaries that incl 1 crore healthcare & 2 crore frontline workers Details of how further 27 cr priority beneficiaries are to be vaccinated until July are being finalised pic.twitter.com/K7NrzGrgk3 — Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) January 2, 2021 × New Delhi has three dry run centres: GTB hospital, Daryaganj and Srinivaspuri, Vardhan visited the GTB hospital on Saturday morning to check the staff's preparedness and review the situation. The announcement has come as India awaits approval for emergency use of the AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine.

Coronavirus vaccine will be available free of cost in India: Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan

As India is about to begin a dry run to assess the preparedness to roll out the coronavirus vaccine in the country,&nbsp;Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan appealed to people&nbsp;not to be misguided by "rumours" and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine, stressing that there would be no compromise on any protocol while approving it. 
 
“I appeal to people not to pay heed to rumours. Ensuring the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is our priority. Different kinds of rumours were spread during polio immunisation but people took the vaccine and India is now polio-free,” Harsh Vardhan was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Vardhan, who visited two mock vaccination sites in Delhi to review the drill, said the free vaccine would be provided in the first phase of the inoculation drive to the most prioritised beneficiaries, including one crore healthcare and two crore frontline workers.

He added that details of how 27 crore priority beneficiaries -- those above 50 years of age and those below it having comorbidities -- would be vaccinated until July were being finalised.

The minister dispelled doubts regarding the country's capability to undertake such a massive vaccination drive, describing how India had unparalleled experience in dealing with immunisation and run one of the largest such programs in the world.

"It is as a result of our steadfastness and dedication that India was declared polio-free in 2014. Our rich learning from the earlier immunisation drives, including the polio vaccination campaign, is being used to guide our present countrywide COVID-19 vaccination campaign," he said. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

As India is about to begin a dry run to assess the preparedness to roll out the coronavirus vaccine in the country, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan appealed to people not to be misguided by "rumours" and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine, stressing that there would be no compromise on any protocol while approving it.

As India is about to begin a dry run to assess the preparedness to roll out the coronavirus vaccine in the country, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan appealed to people not to be misguided by "rumours" and disinformation campaigns regarding the safety and efficacy of the coronavirus vaccine, stressing that there would be no compromise on any protocol while approving it. “I appeal to people not to pay heed to rumours. Ensuring the safety and efficacy of the vaccine is our priority. Different kinds of rumours were spread during polio immunisation but people took the vaccine and India is now polio-free,” Harsh Vardhan was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Vardhan, who visited two mock vaccination sites in Delhi to review the drill, said the free vaccine would be provided in the first phase of the inoculation drive to the most prioritised beneficiaries, including one crore healthcare and two crore frontline workers. He added that details of how 27 crore priority beneficiaries -- those above 50 years of age and those below it having comorbidities -- would be vaccinated until July were being finalised. The minister dispelled doubts regarding the country's capability to undertake such a massive vaccination drive, describing how India had unparalleled experience in dealing with immunisation and run one of the largest such programs in the world. "It is as a result of our steadfastness and dedication that India was declared polio-free in 2014. Our rich learning from the earlier immunisation drives, including the polio vaccination campaign, is being used to guide our present countrywide COVID-19 vaccination campaign," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Covid vaccine hesitancy: Dr Harsh Vardhan urges people not to pay heed to rumours

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday that India may be able to start Covid-19 vaccinations as early as January, highlighting the importance of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

“I feel, maybe in any week of January, we can be in a position to give first Covid-19 vaccine shot to people of India,” Vardhan told ANI. He added that the government does not want to compromise on the safety of the vaccine.&nbsp;

"The Central government along with state governments has been making preparations at state, district and block levels for the past 4 months," he said.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Our first priority has been safety &amp; effectiveness of vaccines. We don't want to compromise on that. I personally feel, maybe in any week of January, we can be in position to give first COVID vaccine shot to people of India: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan to ANI <a href="https://t.co/PEtMgqptYJ">pic.twitter.com/PEtMgqptYJ</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1340841829307011072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"We've formed task forces at state, district &amp; block levels. Thousands of master trainers have been trained across the country. We've conducted training at state level &amp; trained over 20,0 00 workers in about 260 districts," he added.

"It was scientifically possible to eradicate polio. Ultimately, coronavirus will also subside &amp; we will come across its sporadic occurrences," he said.

"After consultation with experts, we've prioritized 30 crore people for COVID vaccine. It includes health workers, frontline workers like police, military &amp; sanitation staff, people above 50 yrs &amp; those who are below 50 yrs but are suffering from certain diseases."

This comes days after India’s total caseload crossed 1 crore. India has the second-highest number of total coronavirus cases after the US, which kick-started vaccinations last week.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday that India may be able to start Covid-19 vaccinations as early as January, highlighting the importance of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Sunday that India may be able to start Covid-19 vaccinations as early as January, highlighting the importance of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. “I feel, maybe in any week of January, we can be in a position to give first Covid-19 vaccine shot to people of India,” Vardhan told ANI. He added that the government does not want to compromise on the safety of the vaccine. "The Central government along with state governments has been making preparations at state, district and block levels for the past 4 months," he said. #WATCH | Our first priority has been safety & effectiveness of vaccines. We don't want to compromise on that. I personally feel, maybe in any week of January, we can be in position to give first COVID vaccine shot to people of India: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan to ANI pic.twitter.com/PEtMgqptYJ — ANI (@ANI) December 21, 2020 × "We've formed task forces at state, district & block levels. Thousands of master trainers have been trained across the country. We've conducted training at state level & trained over 20,0 00 workers in about 260 districts," he added. "It was scientifically possible to eradicate polio. Ultimately, coronavirus will also subside & we will come across its sporadic occurrences," he said. "After consultation with experts, we've prioritized 30 crore people for COVID vaccine. It includes health workers, frontline workers like police, military & sanitation staff, people above 50 yrs & those who are below 50 yrs but are suffering from certain diseases." This comes days after India’s total caseload crossed 1 crore. India has the second-highest number of total coronavirus cases after the US, which kick-started vaccinations last week. (With inputs from agencies)

India may start Covid-19 vaccination in January, says Harsh Vardhan

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that 25-30 crore Indians will be inoculated with coronavirus vaccine by September 2021.

He made these remarks during a television interview. Harsh Vardhan also confirmed that India will get a vaccine in the first three months of 2021.

On Sunday, he also addressed the Boston Center of Excellence (BoCE) for Health and Human Development through video conference and said that the rapidness at which coronavirus vaccines are being developed will have a significant effect on new technologies that will help in faster drug discoveries, lowering the cost and making it more affordable for the poor. The process, which used to take 10 years to produce vaccines, is now done in almost 10 months.

The health minister saluted the millions of frontline workers and elaborated India's strategy to contain the virus.

"It is not the first one and not the last one. But this COVID 19 will soon be a past episode of the 21st century. Our treatment protocol for COVID patients is well defined now," a statement quoted Vardhan as saying.

"Fewer and fewer people infected are dying. We will have vaccines available very soon and the cases will significantly go down in the next few months," he said.

"The rapidness with which we have been able to create vaccines will have a cascading effect on new technologies that will help us all shortly in faster drug discoveries, lowering the cost and making it more affordable for poorer sections of our population," Vardhan said.

"The process that used to take 10 years, now produces vaccines almost in 10 months -- developed, tested, and soon will be available in the market," he added.

The knowledge of drug discovery will also help to develop in several new frontiers, as they may enable to find a cure for many viral ailments that do not respond to antibiotics, Vardhan said, expressing hope that the research might have potential in treating superbugs.

He compared the pandemic to a "transitory state of our civilization". "We have not seen the Spanish Flu, World War I and World War II. But we are living in a phase of a silent war," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that 25-30 crore Indians will be inoculated with coronavirus vaccine by September 2021. He made these remarks during a television interview.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that 25-30 crore Indians will be inoculated with coronavirus vaccine by September 2021. He made these remarks during a television interview. Harsh Vardhan also confirmed that India will get a vaccine in the first three months of 2021. On Sunday, he also addressed the Boston Center of Excellence (BoCE) for Health and Human Development through video conference and said that the rapidness at which coronavirus vaccines are being developed will have a significant effect on new technologies that will help in faster drug discoveries, lowering the cost and making it more affordable for the poor. The process, which used to take 10 years to produce vaccines, is now done in almost 10 months. The health minister saluted the millions of frontline workers and elaborated India's strategy to contain the virus. "It is not the first one and not the last one. But this COVID 19 will soon be a past episode of the 21st century. Our treatment protocol for COVID patients is well defined now," a statement quoted Vardhan as saying. "Fewer and fewer people infected are dying. We will have vaccines available very soon and the cases will significantly go down in the next few months," he said. "The rapidness with which we have been able to create vaccines will have a cascading effect on new technologies that will help us all shortly in faster drug discoveries, lowering the cost and making it more affordable for poorer sections of our population," Vardhan said. "The process that used to take 10 years, now produces vaccines almost in 10 months -- developed, tested, and soon will be available in the market," he added. The knowledge of drug discovery will also help to develop in several new frontiers, as they may enable to find a cure for many viral ailments that do not respond to antibiotics, Vardhan said, expressing hope that the research might have potential in treating superbugs. He compared the pandemic to a "transitory state of our civilization". "We have not seen the Spanish Flu, World War I and World War II. But we are living in a phase of a silent war," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

When will India get Covid-19 vaccine?: Health minister replies

India's wait for COVID-19 vaccine is soon to be over. The Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has announced that India is set to get the much waited COVID-19 vaccine early next year.

India will get COVID-19 vaccine by early 2021: Harsh Vardhan

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday said that due to the unprecedented challenges faced by the world on account of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a renewed focus on food, nutrition, health, immunity and sustainability. 
 
Presiding&nbsp;over an event organised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to celebrate World Food Day, he said: The "FSSAI`s Eat Right India movement targets to promote safe and healthy food for everyone in an environmentally sustainable way. It is a part of its mandate to provide safe and wholesome food for all citizens. This will improve the food safety ecosystems and lift the hygiene and health of our citizens." 
 
Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey also joined, via video conferencing, the event, whose theme this year`s event is "Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together". 
 
A key focus this year is elimination of trans fats from the food supply chain. A food toxin present in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVOs) (e.g. vanaspati, shortening, margarine, etc.), baked and fried foods, trans fat is a major contributor to the rise in non-communicable diseases in India. 
 
Harsh Vardhan said: "Trans fat is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Eliminating CVD risk factor is especially relevant during Covid-19 as people with CVD are predisposed to have serious conditions having an impact on mortality." 
 
He reminded everyone of the government`s effort to make India trans fat free by 2022, a year ahead of WHO`s target, in synergy with Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s vision of a New India on 75 years of the country`s independence. 
 
Reiterating the game-changing potential of 'Eat Right India'&nbsp;and `Fit India Movement`, the Minister said: "These two movements along with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission and other efforts of the Environment Ministry will improve the health of Indians and heal the environment." 
 
Expressing his amazement at the marvels of the internet where curious citizens can look up things on the whole gamut of information available, he asked officials of FSSAI to promote awareness and consumer education leveraging technology so that informed citizens can make responsible choices. 
 
Harsh Vardhan also launched the Eat Right Creativity Challenge for schools which is a poster and photography competition and aims to promote healthy dietary habits. 
 
He also launched the `Eat Smart City` (challenge) by FSSAI in partnership with Smart City Mission and The Food Foundation, UK which will create an environment of right food practices and habits in India`s smart cities and can set an example for other cities to follow. 
 
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, FSSAI CEO Arun Singhal, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and FSSAI were present at the event. 
 
State Food Safety Commissioners, Regional Directors and officers of FSSAI, professionals of scientific panel of oils and fats, officials of international public health organisations, the WHO, the World Bank, members of NePRoFaN - Network of Professionals of Food and Nutrition, prominent food business corporates, industry associations, implementation partners, development partners for Food Fortification were also invited to attend the event through video conference.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday said that due to the unprecedented challenges faced by the world on account of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a renewed focus on food, nutrition, health, immunity and sustainability.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Friday said that due to the unprecedented challenges faced by the world on account of the coronavirus pandemic, there has been a renewed focus on food, nutrition, health, immunity and sustainability. Presiding over an event organised by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) to celebrate World Food Day, he said: The "FSSAI`s Eat Right India movement targets to promote safe and healthy food for everyone in an environmentally sustainable way. It is a part of its mandate to provide safe and wholesome food for all citizens. This will improve the food safety ecosystems and lift the hygiene and health of our citizens." Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey also joined, via video conferencing, the event, whose theme this year`s event is "Grow, Nourish, Sustain. Together". A key focus this year is elimination of trans fats from the food supply chain. A food toxin present in partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVOs) (e.g. vanaspati, shortening, margarine, etc.), baked and fried foods, trans fat is a major contributor to the rise in non-communicable diseases in India. Harsh Vardhan said: "Trans fat is a modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Eliminating CVD risk factor is especially relevant during Covid-19 as people with CVD are predisposed to have serious conditions having an impact on mortality." He reminded everyone of the government`s effort to make India trans fat free by 2022, a year ahead of WHO`s target, in synergy with Prime Minister Narendra Modi`s vision of a New India on 75 years of the country`s independence. Reiterating the game-changing potential of 'Eat Right India' and `Fit India Movement`, the Minister said: "These two movements along with Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Jal Jeevan Mission and other efforts of the Environment Ministry will improve the health of Indians and heal the environment." Expressing his amazement at the marvels of the internet where curious citizens can look up things on the whole gamut of information available, he asked officials of FSSAI to promote awareness and consumer education leveraging technology so that informed citizens can make responsible choices. Harsh Vardhan also launched the Eat Right Creativity Challenge for schools which is a poster and photography competition and aims to promote healthy dietary habits. He also launched the `Eat Smart City` (challenge) by FSSAI in partnership with Smart City Mission and The Food Foundation, UK which will create an environment of right food practices and habits in India`s smart cities and can set an example for other cities to follow. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, FSSAI CEO Arun Singhal, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and FSSAI were present at the event. State Food Safety Commissioners, Regional Directors and officers of FSSAI, professionals of scientific panel of oils and fats, officials of international public health organisations, the WHO, the World Bank, members of NePRoFaN - Network of Professionals of Food and Nutrition, prominent food business corporates, industry associations, implementation partners, development partners for Food Fortification were also invited to attend the event through video conference.

India on road to be trans fat free by 2022: Harsh Vardhan

The government of India has planned to provide COVID vaccines to around 25 crore (250 million) people - of the country's 130 crore (1.3 billion) - by July 2021. Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said the government would receive between 400 and 500 million vaccine doses for this purpose and that it would ensure "equitable access".

India's roadmap for vaccine distribution: Health workers on priority list

The Rajya Sabha passed the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill, 2020 on Saturday.

Speaking in the Upper House, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the bill was required to prevent offences against healthcare professionals.

"Many healthcare workers including doctors, paramedics were insulted in some form or the other, due to stigma attached to COVID-19. Centre government acted on this situation found that there was a need for a law, a prohibitory mechanism against such incidents," Dr Harsh Vardhan said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/parliament-session-may-be-cut-short-as-covid-19-cases-among-indian-lawmakers-rise-sources-328605">Also read|&nbsp;Parliament session may be cut short as COVID-19 cases among Indian lawmakers rise: Sources</a>

He said that the Centre had passed the Ordinance to make hurt of any nature or insulting the medical professionals a cognizable offence.

However, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O`Brien termed the Bill an attempt to encroach states` constitutionally assigned functioning.

Speaking at the Rajya Sabha while the discussions on the bill were underway, the TMC MP said that Bengal already had laws to deal with prevention of violence against doctors and healthcare workers.

"You thought of healthcare workers now? Bengal has Medicare Service Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property Act 2009. What happens to it? Bill is an attempt to encroach states` constitutionally assigned functioning," O`Brien said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/water-essential-element-to-human-right-committed-to-ensuring-access-says-india-at-human-rights-council-328600">Also read|&nbsp;Water essential element to human right, committed to ensuring access says India at Human Rights Council</a>

The TMC leader said that his state had passed the bill for healthcare workers` safety as far back as in 2009.

"You cannot cross the Constitutional bar, you do your work, and let the Chief Ministers do their work. There are sinister provisions also present in this bill," he further added.

The Upper House had earlier passed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Second Amendment) Bill.The Monsoon Session of the Parliament commenced on Monday and is slated to end on October 1.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill, 2020 on Saturday. Speaking in the Upper House, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the bill was required to prevent offences against healthcare professionals.

The Rajya Sabha passed the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill, 2020 on Saturday. Speaking in the Upper House, Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said that the bill was required to prevent offences against healthcare professionals. "Many healthcare workers including doctors, paramedics were insulted in some form or the other, due to stigma attached to COVID-19. Centre government acted on this situation found that there was a need for a law, a prohibitory mechanism against such incidents," Dr Harsh Vardhan said. Also read| Parliament session may be cut short as COVID-19 cases among Indian lawmakers rise: Sources He said that the Centre had passed the Ordinance to make hurt of any nature or insulting the medical professionals a cognizable offence. However, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Derek O`Brien termed the Bill an attempt to encroach states` constitutionally assigned functioning. Speaking at the Rajya Sabha while the discussions on the bill were underway, the TMC MP said that Bengal already had laws to deal with prevention of violence against doctors and healthcare workers. "You thought of healthcare workers now? Bengal has Medicare Service Prevention of Violence and Damage to Property Act 2009. What happens to it? Bill is an attempt to encroach states` constitutionally assigned functioning," O`Brien said. Also read| Water essential element to human right, committed to ensuring access says India at Human Rights Council The TMC leader said that his state had passed the bill for healthcare workers` safety as far back as in 2009. "You cannot cross the Constitutional bar, you do your work, and let the Chief Ministers do their work. There are sinister provisions also present in this bill," he further added. The Upper House had earlier passed the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Second Amendment) Bill.The Monsoon Session of the Parliament commenced on Monday and is slated to end on October 1.

Rajya Sabha passes the Epidemic Diseases Amendment Bill, 2020

India's Health and Family Welfare Minister Harsh Vardhan on September 13, 2020 claimed that India shall have a vaccine ready by March 2021. He even offered to take the first shot himself for receiving COVID-19 vaccine if people have any 'trust deficit'.

India's Health Minister Harsh Vardhan: COVID-19 vaccine to be ready by March 2021

Owing to the nationwide efforts the COVID-19 related deaths have been limited to 55 per million population, said Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Monday.

Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the Union Minister also said that the cases per million population in the country have also been limited to 3,328 in the country.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-tally-crosses-48-lakh-mark-with-spike-of-92071-cases-1136-deaths-327347" hreflang="en">India's tally crosses 48 lakh mark with spike of 92,071 cases, 1,136 deaths</a>

"With our endeavour to manage COVID-19, India has been able to limit its cases and deaths to 3,328 cases and 55 deaths per million population respectively, which is one of the lowest in the world as compared to similarly affected countries," the Minister said.

"Maximum cases and deaths primarily reported from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal, Bihar, Telangana, Odisha, Assam, Kerala and Gujarat. All these reported more than 1 lakh cases," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/monsoon-session-of-parliament-begins-today-amid-covid-19-327320" hreflang="en">Monsoon Session of Parliament begins today amid Covid-19</a>

The Health Minister also informed Parliament about the COVID-19 situation in the country.

"77,512 recoveries registered in the last 24 hours in India taking the total number of recoveries to 37,80,107 and recovery rate to 78 per cent. More than 60 per cent of active cases are concentrated in 5 states- Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu," he said.

As per the Ministry today, the number of active cases in the country stands at 9,86,598. The toll due to COVID-19 stands at 79,722 in the country as of today.

The Monsoon session 2020 of Parliament commenced today.This will be the first Parliament session being held amid the COVID-19 pandemic. All safety measures have been initiated to conduct the session as per health guidelines amid COVID-19.

Owing to the nationwide efforts the COVID-19 related deaths have been limited to 55 per million population, said Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Monday.

Owing to the nationwide efforts the COVID-19 related deaths have been limited to 55 per million population, said Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Monday. Speaking in the Lok Sabha, the Union Minister also said that the cases per million population in the country have also been limited to 3,328 in the country. Also read: India's tally crosses 48 lakh mark with spike of 92,071 cases, 1,136 deaths "With our endeavour to manage COVID-19, India has been able to limit its cases and deaths to 3,328 cases and 55 deaths per million population respectively, which is one of the lowest in the world as compared to similarly affected countries," the Minister said. "Maximum cases and deaths primarily reported from Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, West Bengal, Bihar, Telangana, Odisha, Assam, Kerala and Gujarat. All these reported more than 1 lakh cases," he added. Also read: Monsoon Session of Parliament begins today amid Covid-19 The Health Minister also informed Parliament about the COVID-19 situation in the country. "77,512 recoveries registered in the last 24 hours in India taking the total number of recoveries to 37,80,107 and recovery rate to 78 per cent. More than 60 per cent of active cases are concentrated in 5 states- Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu," he said. As per the Ministry today, the number of active cases in the country stands at 9,86,598. The toll due to COVID-19 stands at 79,722 in the country as of today. The Monsoon session 2020 of Parliament commenced today.This will be the first Parliament session being held amid the COVID-19 pandemic. All safety measures have been initiated to conduct the session as per health guidelines amid COVID-19.

India has been able to limit COVID-19 deaths to 55 per million population: Dr Harsh Vardhan

India has one of the lowest global COVID fatality rates and is working on the coronavirus vaccine development, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said on Saturday.

The minister, who chaired 20th meeting of Group of Ministers on COVID-19, said health infrastructure in the country has been amply strengthened. According to the Health Ministry, India has reported 26,48,998 total COIVD-19 cases and 62,550 deaths.

Dr Vardhan informed the GOM that country`s Case Fatality Rate (CFR) is at its lowest at 1.81 per cent and the recovery rate has climbed to 76.47 per cent.

"As of now, only 0.29 per cent of cases are on ventilators, 1.93 per cent on ICU and only 2.88 per cent of cases are on oxygen," he said.

The GoM was briefed on the current status of COVID-19 in India. The global comparison clearly depicted that India has one of the lowest cases per million (2424) and deaths per million (44) compared to the global average of 3,161 and 107.2 respectively.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-unlock-40-metro-rail-services-to-restart-from-september-7-schools-universities-to-remain-closed-323961">Also read|&nbsp;India Unlock 4.0: Metro rail services to restart from September 7; schools, universities to remain closed</a>

Dr Vardhan also informed the GoM that more than 338 lakh N-95 masks, nearly 135 lakh PPEs and about 27,000 ventilators have been provided by the Centre to the States and Union Territories (UTs).

According to the Health Ministry, eight States (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana) have contributed to around 73 per cent of the active caseload as of Saturday.

Seven states (Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal) account for 81 per cent of total deaths.

Dr Vinod K Paul, Chairperson of the Empowered Group-1 on medical emergency management plan, apprised the GoM of the process of COVID vaccine development in India and around the world.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/home-minister-amit-shah-has-recovered-after-covid-19-care-to-be-discharged-soon-aiims-323944">Also read|&nbsp;Home Minister Amit Shah has recovered after COVID-19 care, to be discharged soon: AIIMS</a>

"About 29 candidates, including two Indian ones, are in clinical trials out of which 6 are in Phase III. In India, Bharat Biotech`s vaccine candidate based on inactivated virus procured by ICMR is in phase II trial along with Zydus Cadila`s candidate which is based on viral DNA," he said.

"The Oxford vaccine candidate developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) is already in phase III trial in Maharashtra and some other states," he added.

He informed the GoM of the progress made by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19.

Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan elaborated the efforts made towards mental health during the pandemic. He said the government is in direct communication with the states that were reporting a surge in cases and those with higher mortality rates.&nbsp;

India has one of the lowest global COVID fatality rates and is working on the coronavirus vaccine development, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said on Saturday.

India has one of the lowest global COVID fatality rates and is working on the coronavirus vaccine development, Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan said on Saturday. The minister, who chaired 20th meeting of Group of Ministers on COVID-19, said health infrastructure in the country has been amply strengthened. According to the Health Ministry, India has reported 26,48,998 total COIVD-19 cases and 62,550 deaths. Dr Vardhan informed the GOM that country`s Case Fatality Rate (CFR) is at its lowest at 1.81 per cent and the recovery rate has climbed to 76.47 per cent. "As of now, only 0.29 per cent of cases are on ventilators, 1.93 per cent on ICU and only 2.88 per cent of cases are on oxygen," he said. The GoM was briefed on the current status of COVID-19 in India. The global comparison clearly depicted that India has one of the lowest cases per million (2424) and deaths per million (44) compared to the global average of 3,161 and 107.2 respectively. Also read| India Unlock 4.0: Metro rail services to restart from September 7; schools, universities to remain closed Dr Vardhan also informed the GoM that more than 338 lakh N-95 masks, nearly 135 lakh PPEs and about 27,000 ventilators have been provided by the Centre to the States and Union Territories (UTs). According to the Health Ministry, eight States (Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and Telangana) have contributed to around 73 per cent of the active caseload as of Saturday. Seven states (Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal) account for 81 per cent of total deaths. Dr Vinod K Paul, Chairperson of the Empowered Group-1 on medical emergency management plan, apprised the GoM of the process of COVID vaccine development in India and around the world. Also read| Home Minister Amit Shah has recovered after COVID-19 care, to be discharged soon: AIIMS "About 29 candidates, including two Indian ones, are in clinical trials out of which 6 are in Phase III. In India, Bharat Biotech`s vaccine candidate based on inactivated virus procured by ICMR is in phase II trial along with Zydus Cadila`s candidate which is based on viral DNA," he said. "The Oxford vaccine candidate developed by Serum Institute of India (SII) is already in phase III trial in Maharashtra and some other states," he added. He informed the GoM of the progress made by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19. Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan elaborated the efforts made towards mental health during the pandemic. He said the government is in direct communication with the states that were reporting a surge in cases and those with higher mortality rates.

India has one of lowest global COVID-19 fatality rates, 0.29% cases on ventilators: Harsh Vardhan

&nbsp;As many as 11,300 'Made in India'&nbsp;ventilators have been dispatched so far and 6,154 have been delivered to the hospitals, said Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-records-highest-single-day-spike-of-22771-new-covid-19-cases-310629" hreflang="en">India records highest single-day spike of 22,771 new COVID-19 cases</a>

"So far, 11,300 `Make In India` ventilators have been dispatched; 6,154 delivered to hospitals. Ministry of Health is also supplying 1.02 lakh oxygen cylinders across India; 72,293 delivered," Dr Harsh Vardhan tweeted on Saturday.

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So far, 11,300 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MakeInIndia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MakeInIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ventilators?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ventilators</a> have been dispatched; 6154 delivered to hospitals. <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> is also supplying 1.02 lakh <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/oxygen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#oxygen</a> cylinders across India; 72,293 delivered. <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/HMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaFightsCorona?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaFightsCorona</a> <a href="https://t.co/3WwcrgmkgF">pic.twitter.com/3WwcrgmkgF</a>
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/drharshvardhan/status/1279256409062834176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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.<a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> is relentlessly working to strengthen the health infrastructure in line with our <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AtmaNirbharBharat?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AtmaNirbharBharat</a> resolve. Since 1st April 2020, over 2.02 crore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/N95?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#N95</a> masks &amp; more than 1.18 crore <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PPE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PPE</a> kits have been distributed to States/UTs, free of cost for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> prevention. <a href="https://t.co/ugwebfd74D">pic.twitter.com/ugwebfd74D</a>
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/drharshvardhan/status/1279255835126796288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Over 6.12 crore HCQ (Hydroxychloroquine) tablets distributed," read an infographic shared by Dr. Harsh Vardhan.

India on Friday reported its highest single-day spike of COVID-19 cases with 22,771 cases reported in the last 24 hours, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

With these new cases, India`s coronavirus cases tally has gone up to 6,48,315, out of which there are 2,35,433 active cases in the country and 3,94,227 cases have been cured/discharged or migrated.&nbsp;

As many as 11,300 'Made in India' ventilators have been dispatched so far and 6,154 have been delivered to the hospitals, said Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare.

As many as 11,300 'Made in India' ventilators have been dispatched so far and 6,154 have been delivered to the hospitals, said Dr Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare. Also read: India records highest single-day spike of 22,771 new COVID-19 cases "So far, 11,300 `Make In India` ventilators have been dispatched; 6,154 delivered to hospitals. Ministry of Health is also supplying 1.02 lakh oxygen cylinders across India; 72,293 delivered," Dr Harsh Vardhan tweeted on Saturday. So far, 11,300 #MakeInIndia #ventilators have been dispatched; 6154 delivered to hospitals. @MoHFW_INDIA is also supplying 1.02 lakh #oxygen cylinders across India; 72,293 delivered. @PMOIndia @HMOIndia #IndiaFightsCorona pic.twitter.com/3WwcrgmkgF — Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) July 4, 2020 × .@MoHFW_INDIA is relentlessly working to strengthen the health infrastructure in line with our #AtmaNirbharBharat resolve. Since 1st April 2020, over 2.02 crore #N95 masks & more than 1.18 crore #PPE kits have been distributed to States/UTs, free of cost for #COVID19 prevention. pic.twitter.com/ugwebfd74D — Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) July 4, 2020 × "Over 6.12 crore HCQ (Hydroxychloroquine) tablets distributed," read an infographic shared by Dr. Harsh Vardhan. India on Friday reported its highest single-day spike of COVID-19 cases with 22,771 cases reported in the last 24 hours, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. With these new cases, India`s coronavirus cases tally has gone up to 6,48,315, out of which there are 2,35,433 active cases in the country and 3,94,227 cases have been cured/discharged or migrated.

11,300 'Made in India' ventilators dispatched so far: Dr Harsh Vardhan

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that coronavirus testing will be doubled in the next couple of days in Delhi and tripled in six days.&nbsp;

Shah made the remarks following his meeting with Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Delhi LG Anil Baijal and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Modi government is committed to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Delhi, he said

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Testing for <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> to be doubled in the next couple of days in Delhi and in 6 days, tripled: Union Home Minister Amit Shah <a href="https://t.co/wtSq7X5N8N">https://t.co/wtSq7X5N8N</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1272070947579637760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 14, 2020</a></blockquote>
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''Today, several important decisions were taken to protect people of Delhi and to prevent this infection. in the meeting held with Harsh Vardhan, LG Anil Baijal and Kejriwal,'' Shah noted.

Shah also said that the Centre would allot 500 railway coaches into COVID-19 beds to meet the shortage of beds in the capital. &nbsp;

''Given the shortage of beds for COVID-19 patients in Delhi, Modi government at Center has decided to immediately give 500 railway coaches to Delhi. These railway coaches won't only increase 8000 beds in Delhi but these coaches will be equipped with all facilities to fight the virus,'' he said.

Delhi CM tweeted about the meeting and said that he had an extremely productive meeting.&nbsp;

''Extremely productive meeting betn Del govt and Central govt. Many key decisions taken. We will fight against corona together,'' he tweeted.&nbsp;

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that coronavirus testing will be doubled in the next couple of days in Delhi and tripled in six days. Shah made the remarks following his meeting with Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Delhi LG Anil Baijal and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that coronavirus testing will be doubled in the next couple of days in Delhi and tripled in six days. Shah made the remarks following his meeting with Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Delhi LG Anil Baijal and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Modi government is committed to contain the spread of COVID-19 in Delhi, he said Testing for #COVID19 to be doubled in the next couple of days in Delhi and in 6 days, tripled: Union Home Minister Amit Shah https://t.co/wtSq7X5N8N — ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2020 × ''Today, several important decisions were taken to protect people of Delhi and to prevent this infection. in the meeting held with Harsh Vardhan, LG Anil Baijal and Kejriwal,'' Shah noted. Shah also said that the Centre would allot 500 railway coaches into COVID-19 beds to meet the shortage of beds in the capital. ''Given the shortage of beds for COVID-19 patients in Delhi, Modi government at Center has decided to immediately give 500 railway coaches to Delhi. These railway coaches won't only increase 8000 beds in Delhi but these coaches will be equipped with all facilities to fight the virus,'' he said. Delhi CM tweeted about the meeting and said that he had an extremely productive meeting. ''Extremely productive meeting betn Del govt and Central govt. Many key decisions taken. We will fight against corona together,'' he tweeted.

COVID-19 testing to be tripled in next 6 days, says Amit Shah

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the country, the political parties are now blaming each other for poor cooperation.

A few days ago, Delhi's ruling party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)&nbsp;claimed that the centre-run RML Hospital in Delhi was giving out "erroneous" coronavirus test results.

The accusation by the Delhi-origin party did not do well with the ruling party BJP.&nbsp;Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan responded to the accusation saying, "it is not right to do politics over the COVID-19 situation in Delhi as it weakens the fight against the disease."

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बैठक में दिल्ली के स्वास्थ्य मंत्री श्री <a href="https://twitter.com/SatyendarJain?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SatyendarJain</a> जी द्वारा <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/COVID19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#COVID19</a> tests को लेकर <a href="https://twitter.com/RMLDelhi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RMLDelhi</a> की Lab पर उठाए गए सवालों का जवाब देते हुए मैंने कहा कि किसी भी प्रतिष्ठित संस्थान और वहां के Professionals के खिलाफ़ बेबुनियाद आरोप लगाना ठीक नहीं है। 
<a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MoHFW_INDIA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoHFW_INDIA</a> <a href="https://t.co/Fqb4xxRxr2">pic.twitter.com/Fqb4xxRxr2</a>
— Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) <a href="https://twitter.com/drharshvardhan/status/1268526133277941760?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/9851-new-covid-19-cases-and-273-deaths-in-the-last-24-hours-highest-ever-spike-303483">Also read:&nbsp;9,851 new COVID-19 cases and 273 deaths in the last 24 hours – highest ever spike</a>

In a series of tweets, composed in Hindi, the Union Health Minister called this accusation a 'cheap media publicity stunt' and urged Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain to concentrate on strengthening health services in the national capital instead of making "baseless" allegations on a distinguished institute such as RML Hospital.

Few days ago, in a press conference in Delhi, AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha claimed that the Delhi government had re-tested 30 samples from Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital which were declared COVID-19 positive, out of which 12 turned out to be negative, and&nbsp;two were inconclusive.

RML Hospital dismissed the accusation pointing out a gap of 7-14 days in the testing dates.

"We are doing quality checks with AIIMS and NCDC and the results are concordant. Our positivity is more as all hotspot cases, family clusters and high-risk contacts of lab confirmed cases are more in our screening centre. Also we do not have any backlog now. The problem existed earlier when adequate testing kits were not available," RML Hospital said in a statement.

AAP leader Raghav Chadha earlier alleged there was an error of 45 per cent in RML's coronavirus testing.

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the country, the political parties are now blaming each other for poor cooperation. A few days ago, Delhi's ruling party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed that the centre-run RML Hospital in Delhi was giving out "erroneous" coronavirus test results.

As the number of coronavirus cases are on a constant rise in the country, the political parties are now blaming each other for poor cooperation. A few days ago, Delhi's ruling party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claimed that the centre-run RML Hospital in Delhi was giving out "erroneous" coronavirus test results. The accusation by the Delhi-origin party did not do well with the ruling party BJP. Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan responded to the accusation saying, "it is not right to do politics over the COVID-19 situation in Delhi as it weakens the fight against the disease." बैठक में दिल्ली के स्वास्थ्य मंत्री श्री @SatyendarJain जी द्वारा #COVID19 tests को लेकर @RMLDelhi की Lab पर उठाए गए सवालों का जवाब देते हुए मैंने कहा कि किसी भी प्रतिष्ठित संस्थान और वहां के Professionals के खिलाफ़ बेबुनियाद आरोप लगाना ठीक नहीं है। @PMOIndia @MoHFW_INDIA pic.twitter.com/Fqb4xxRxr2 — Dr Harsh Vardhan (@drharshvardhan) June 4, 2020 × Also read: 9,851 new COVID-19 cases and 273 deaths in the last 24 hours – highest ever spike In a series of tweets, composed in Hindi, the Union Health Minister called this accusation a 'cheap media publicity stunt' and urged Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain to concentrate on strengthening health services in the national capital instead of making "baseless" allegations on a distinguished institute such as RML Hospital. Few days ago, in a press conference in Delhi, AAP spokesperson Raghav Chadha claimed that the Delhi government had re-tested 30 samples from Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital which were declared COVID-19 positive, out of which 12 turned out to be negative, and two were inconclusive. RML Hospital dismissed the accusation pointing out a gap of 7-14 days in the testing dates. "We are doing quality checks with AIIMS and NCDC and the results are concordant. Our positivity is more as all hotspot cases, family clusters and high-risk contacts of lab confirmed cases are more in our screening centre. Also we do not have any backlog now. The problem existed earlier when adequate testing kits were not available," RML Hospital said in a statement. AAP leader Raghav Chadha earlier alleged there was an error of 45 per cent in RML's coronavirus testing.

Harsh Vardhan slams AAP on RML accusation; calls it cheap media publicity stunt

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that four out of the 14 coronavirus vaccine candidates from India may enter the clinical trial stage in the next three-five months.

In an online chat with BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao, Vardhan said the entire world was working on developing a vaccine to stop the novel coronavirus pandemic.

"There are more than 100 candidates for developing a vaccine working at different levels. The WHO is coordinating the efforts," the health minister was quoted as saying.

"India is also actively contributing to that effort. We have 14 vaccine candidates that are working on different levels," he said. "Industry, the academic world is contributing to it and our Ministry of Science is helping the Department of Biotechnology in all such efforts."

Financial support and regulatory clearance will be provided to those who are working on this, Vardhan said.

"Out of these 14, four vaccine candidates, in the next three-five months, may enter the clinical trial stage. Right now, they are in the pre-clinical trial phase," the minister said.

"It's very difficult to predict when a vaccine will come, but as a doctor, I can say that the process it involves, one year would be a modest estimate," he said. "Till the vaccine is not developed, people should use social vaccines like the mask and social distancing."

The Centre and private firms have stepped up efforts to develop a vaccine to halt the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PM CARES Fund Trust has decided to allocate Rs 100 crore in efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp;

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that four out of the 14 coronavirus vaccine candidates from India may enter the clinical trial stage in the next three-five months.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that four out of the 14 coronavirus vaccine candidates from India may enter the clinical trial stage in the next three-five months. In an online chat with BJP spokesperson GVL Narasimha Rao, Vardhan said the entire world was working on developing a vaccine to stop the novel coronavirus pandemic. "There are more than 100 candidates for developing a vaccine working at different levels. The WHO is coordinating the efforts," the health minister was quoted as saying. "India is also actively contributing to that effort. We have 14 vaccine candidates that are working on different levels," he said. "Industry, the academic world is contributing to it and our Ministry of Science is helping the Department of Biotechnology in all such efforts." Financial support and regulatory clearance will be provided to those who are working on this, Vardhan said. "Out of these 14, four vaccine candidates, in the next three-five months, may enter the clinical trial stage. Right now, they are in the pre-clinical trial phase," the minister said. "It's very difficult to predict when a vaccine will come, but as a doctor, I can say that the process it involves, one year would be a modest estimate," he said. "Till the vaccine is not developed, people should use social vaccines like the mask and social distancing." The Centre and private firms have stepped up efforts to develop a vaccine to halt the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. The PM CARES Fund Trust has decided to allocate Rs 100 crore in efforts to develop a COVID-19 vaccine. (With inputs from PTI)

4 coronavirus vaccine candidates may enter clinical trial phase in 3-5 months: Health minister

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan is set to take charge as the chairman of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board on May 22, news agency ANI reported quoting sources on Tuesday.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan is set to take charge as the chairman of the World Health Organization (WHO) Executive Board on May 22, news agency ANI reported quoting sources on Tuesday. The Executive Board meeting of the WHO will be held on May 22. The Executive Board is composed of 34 technically qualified members elected for three-year terms. The chairman`s post is held by rotation for one year among regional groups. The main functions of the Board are to implement the decisions and policies of the Health Assembly and facilitate its work. Vardhan had on Monday participated in the 73rd World Health Assembly (WHA) via video conferencing. WHA is the decision-making body of the World Health Organisation. In his address, Health Minister had expressed his "deepest condolences" to loss of lives across the world due to COVID-19 and appreciated the efforts of frontline workers of the battle. "We, in India, undertook the COVID-19 challenge with the highest level of political commitment. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, personally monitored the situation and ensured a pre-emptive, pro-active and graded response, leaving no stones unturned to contain the deadly virus from spreading," Harsh Vardhan said. "On our part, India is playing a key role in fostering bilateral and regional partnerships. Under our Prime Minister`s able leadership, India has supplied essential medicines to 123 nations as an expression of solidarity," he said. "I stand here to honour the doctors, the nurses, the paramedics, the scientists, the journalists, the delivery boys, security staff, sanitation staff and the police personnel - the forgotten roles who are today playing `superhumans`. They are our real heroes," he added.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan set to take charge as WHO Executive Board chairman

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that India's fatality rate continues to be around 3.3 per cent and the recovery rate has climbed up to 29.9 per cent, these are very good indicators.&nbsp;

The doubling rate for last 3 days has been about 11 days, for last 7 days it has been 9.9 days, Dr Vardhan added.

''We do not anticipate a very worst type of situation in our country like many other developed countries but still we have prepared the whole country for the worst situation,'' he further said.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 3320 more COVID-19 cases and 95 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours.

With the new cases, total number of cases in India has risen to 59662, including 39834 active cases, 17847 cured/discharged/migrated, and 1981 deaths, the ministry added.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that India's fatality rate continues to be around 3.3 per cent and the recovery rate has climbed up to 29.

Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Saturday said that India's fatality rate continues to be around 3.3 per cent and the recovery rate has climbed up to 29.9 per cent, these are very good indicators. The doubling rate for last 3 days has been about 11 days, for last 7 days it has been 9.9 days, Dr Vardhan added. ''We do not anticipate a very worst type of situation in our country like many other developed countries but still we have prepared the whole country for the worst situation,'' he further said. Meanwhile, 3320 more COVID-19 cases and 95 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. With the new cases, total number of cases in India has risen to 59662, including 39834 active cases, 17847 cured/discharged/migrated, and 1981 deaths, the ministry added.

We do not anticipate worst type of situation like many other developed countries: Health minister

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that India's COVID-19 mortality rate of 3.2 per cent is the lowest in the world and over 10,000 coronavirus patients have been discharged from hospitals after recovering from the disease so far.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-railways-issues-guidelines-for-shramik-special-trains-296353">Also read:&nbsp;Indian Railways issues guidelines for 'shramik special trains'</a>

"Today more than 10,000 COVID-19 patients have been discharged. Those still admitted at hospitals are on the road to recovery. If in last 14 days doubling rate was 10.5 days, then today it is around 12 days," the Minister told ANI after visiting Lady Hardinge Hospital.

"Our mortality rate of 3.2 per cent is the lowest in the world," he said. With 2,644 more COVID-19 cases and 83 deaths in the last 24 hours, the number of people infected from coronavirus in the country has reached 39,980 including 1,301 deaths, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday.

Currently, there are 28,046 active cases while 10,633 COVID-19 positive patients have been cured/discharged.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that India's COVID-19 mortality rate of 3.2 per cent is the lowest in the world and over 10,000 coronavirus patients have been discharged from hospitals after recovering from the disease so far.

Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said that India's COVID-19 mortality rate of 3.2 per cent is the lowest in the world and over 10,000 coronavirus patients have been discharged from hospitals after recovering from the disease so far. Also read: Indian Railways issues guidelines for 'shramik special trains' "Today more than 10,000 COVID-19 patients have been discharged. Those still admitted at hospitals are on the road to recovery. If in last 14 days doubling rate was 10.5 days, then today it is around 12 days," the Minister told ANI after visiting Lady Hardinge Hospital. "Our mortality rate of 3.2 per cent is the lowest in the world," he said. With 2,644 more COVID-19 cases and 83 deaths in the last 24 hours, the number of people infected from coronavirus in the country has reached 39,980 including 1,301 deaths, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Sunday. Currently, there are 28,046 active cases while 10,633 COVID-19 positive patients have been cured/discharged.

India's COVID-19 mortality rate lowest in world, over 10,000 patients discharged: Harsh Vardhan

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said the coronavirus situation in the country is improving as many hotspot districts (HSD) are moving towards being non-hotspot districts (NHSD).

He&nbsp;visited All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Trauma Centre and take stock of the preparedness to overcome COVID-19, a statement from the ministry said.

On April 15, the health ministry declared 170 districts as COVID-19 hotspots and 207 districts as non-hotspots.

Hotspots are those districts which are reporting more number of cases or where the rate of growth of COVID-19 cases is high, the ministry said, adding that a detailed direction has been issued to states stating consolidated efforts are required to utilise this period of lockdown to curb the spread of the deadly virus.

The districts that have not reported any cases yet have also been directed to work on cluster containment plans, the ministry said.

Since then there have been no updates on the number of hotspots from the health ministry.

On Sunday, during his visit, the health minister spoke to some COVID-19 positive patients through video calling and enquired about their health. Robots handled the technology at the patients' end, it said. 
 
Vardhan also sought their feedback about the facilities available at AIIMS so that necessary improvements can be made, the statement said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said the coronavirus situation in the country is improving as many hotspot districts (HSD) are moving towards being non-hotspot districts (NHSD).

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Sunday said the coronavirus situation in the country is improving as many hotspot districts (HSD) are moving towards being non-hotspot districts (NHSD). He visited All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Trauma Centre and take stock of the preparedness to overcome COVID-19, a statement from the ministry said. On April 15, the health ministry declared 170 districts as COVID-19 hotspots and 207 districts as non-hotspots. Hotspots are those districts which are reporting more number of cases or where the rate of growth of COVID-19 cases is high, the ministry said, adding that a detailed direction has been issued to states stating consolidated efforts are required to utilise this period of lockdown to curb the spread of the deadly virus. The districts that have not reported any cases yet have also been directed to work on cluster containment plans, the ministry said. Since then there have been no updates on the number of hotspots from the health ministry. On Sunday, during his visit, the health minister spoke to some COVID-19 positive patients through video calling and enquired about their health. Robots handled the technology at the patients' end, it said. Vardhan also sought their feedback about the facilities available at AIIMS so that necessary improvements can be made, the statement said. (With inputs from PTI)

Hotspot districts moving towards being non-hotspot districts: Health minister

Health Minister of India Harsh Vardhan spoke to the media on COVID-19 situation in the country. He urged that everyone needs to fight together in this crisis and must visit the website of the health ministry for accurate information.

Indian Health Minister Harsh Vardhan briefs media on Coronavirus

The most effective remedy against coronavirus is social distancing, the news agency ANI report said quoting Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan as saying on Sunday.&nbsp;

"The whole world is searching for medicines against coronavirus. Even researchers in India are engaged in this work. However, the biggest and most effective remedy against the coronavirus at this moment is social distancing. Everyone should follow it to keep themselves safe," Vardhan told ANI.

&nbsp;"This lockdown is nothing less than any vaccine. I think people need to understand that and follow the rules," he said.

Earlier in the day, Vardhan visited the AIIMS dedicated centre for coronavirus in Jhajjar, Haryana and interacted with the medical staff deployed in care of the patients.

"There are 162 patients currently here and the condition of all of them is stable. A dedicated facility for COVID-19 patients has been created here in AIIMS, Jhajjar, a total of 310 patients can be treated here," Dr Harsh Vardhan told after his visit.

"I also held talks with two patients through video calling and was happy to see their enthusiasm and satisfaction with the facilities being provided. Their treatment is being done by a very dedicated team of doctors and medical staff in the most scientific manner," he added.

(With inputs from ANI)

The most effective remedy against coronavirus is social distancing, the news agency ANI report said quoting Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan as saying on Sunday.

The most effective remedy against coronavirus is social distancing, the news agency ANI report said quoting Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan as saying on Sunday. "The whole world is searching for medicines against coronavirus. Even researchers in India are engaged in this work. However, the biggest and most effective remedy against the coronavirus at this moment is social distancing. Everyone should follow it to keep themselves safe," Vardhan told ANI. "This lockdown is nothing less than any vaccine. I think people need to understand that and follow the rules," he said. Earlier in the day, Vardhan visited the AIIMS dedicated centre for coronavirus in Jhajjar, Haryana and interacted with the medical staff deployed in care of the patients. "There are 162 patients currently here and the condition of all of them is stable. A dedicated facility for COVID-19 patients has been created here in AIIMS, Jhajjar, a total of 310 patients can be treated here," Dr Harsh Vardhan told after his visit. "I also held talks with two patients through video calling and was happy to see their enthusiasm and satisfaction with the facilities being provided. Their treatment is being done by a very dedicated team of doctors and medical staff in the most scientific manner," he added. (With inputs from ANI)

Social distancing most effective remedy against COVID-19, says Union Health Minister

India's health minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan while making a statement in Rajya Sabha lauded doctors across the country working to beat the coronavirus outbreak.

We are using retrovirus drugs on some patients: Health minister Harsh Vardhan

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