Ravi Kumudesh: Indian-made vaccine should not be forced on Sri Lankans
The general public should be given access to the most suitable COVID-19 vaccine instead of being made to take the Indian vaccine, President of the College of Medical Laboratory Science, Ravi Kumudesh told The Island yesterday.
Kumudesh said that the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) had so far only registered Covidshield vaccine (Indian name for Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine.)
“Given that the Medical Research Institute (MRI) only checks documents, there can’t be a reason for the delay in registering other vaccines. We are glad that India gave us some vaccine doses for free, but we can’t just import more of the same without a proper study.”
A number of frontline workers who received the Indian COVID-19 vaccine had developed mild reactions, but Health Ministry has shown no interest in collecting and analyzing that data, Kumudesh said.
“We are not collecting data or analysing them. No one can explain why we are using only Covidshield. No one can say what the best vaccine for us is. We can’t independently verify anything although we have a 200-year-old MRI. At least now the government must invest in the MRI and restore it to its pristine position.”
(Source: The Island – By Rathindra Kuruwita)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- IMF third review talks with Sri Lanka successfully conclude November 22, 2024
- Professor Gomika Udugamasooriya appointed Senior Advisor to President on Science and Technology November 22, 2024
- Lohan Ratwatte’s wife further remanded until December 2, 2024 November 22, 2024
- Excavation begins near Veyangoda to uncover reported treasure November 22, 2024
- Thai vets plan to trim tusks of Muthu Raja, elephant repatriated from Sri Lanka November 22, 2024
Your statement is admirable, Dr Ravi Kumudesh.
The contents and efficacy of the Indian Vaccine are unknown; no research; no test results.
We should go for Dhammikage Peniya (the God given Vaccine) and the Astra-Zeneca Vaccine, (tested and approved by WHO).
The Indian Vaccine will make an Indian Colony ruled by Narendira Moodhi.
No to Indian Vaccine, 100%.