Government Reopens Closed Vaccine Units

Production of vaccines has restarted in the existing manufacturing facility of Central Research Institute (CRI), Kasauli, Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccine Laboratory, Guindy and Pasteur Institute of India (PII), Coonoor.

134.55 lakhs doses of Diptheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus vaccine have been produced in CRI Kasauli till date since the revocation of suspension of license in February, 2010. The upgradation of vaccine manufacturing facilities at BCG VL, Guindy has been approved at an estimated cost of Rs. 64.72 crore. The upgradation of DPT group of vaccine manufacturing facilities at PII, Coonoor has been approved at an estimated cost of Rs. 149.16 crore.

Central Government in exercise of its powers under Sub rules (3) of Rule 85 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, ordered revocation of suspension of the licenses of the these Institutes vide order dated 26/2/2010. These Institutes have also been asked to ensure that the production line is made fully compliant with GMP standards within three years.

The above information was given by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad in the Rajya Sabha on 27th March.