COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough for Pakistan

By Masood Sattar Khan
(Pakistan News & Features Services) 

Pakistan has achieved a big milestone after entering a deal with China in manufacturing Covid-19 vaccine within the country. 

The renowned scientist, Dr Ata-ur-Rahman, while talking to a television channel, revealed that the country's drug regulatory authority DRIP has been intimated about the agreement with Chinese side and they were awaiting its approval after which clinical trials will begin in Pakistan. 

After clinical trials, the manufacturing of COVID-19 vaccine will be started in Pakistan, he added. Upon approval from DRIP, the clinical trial in Pakistan would be taken up.

He informed that phases one and two have been accomplished in China while phase three was currently in process.  He expressed the hope that after successful completion of these trials in both the countries, the COVID-19 vaccine will be available in six to eight months.

Supporting the government policies towards coronavirus pandemic, Dr Ata said that the situation was improving in Pakistan. He specifically mentioned that the smart lockdown policy has resulted in the reduction of number of cases.