Vaccine possible by early next year, but will take time to reach all: Harsh Vardhan

New Delhi: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said that there are chances that a vaccine could come in the country early next year but it would still take time to reach everyone.

Replying to a debate in Rajya Sabha, he said that the Science and Technology ministry, ICMR and drug companies have come together for a solution and the matter is also being personally monitored by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He said there are three vaccine candidates which have reached phase one, two or phase three level.

"An expert group is studying this. We expect by the beginning of next year we can have a vaccine in the country. In this regard we are also coordinating with WHO and global organisations," he said.

India is among few countries globally which has been able to isolate the virus, Vardhan noted.

He noted that since the outbreak of the pandemic in the country, the central government has worked in close collaboration with the state governments.

The minister said that all decisions during the period were taken after taking state governments in confidence.