India's Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday told Rajya Sabha that India will be the first country to develop a DNA-based Covid-19 vaccine even as other manufactures are steadily ramping up production. “It is a matter of great pride for us that our scientists will be the first to develop a DNA vaccine,” the minister said, referring to Zydus Cadila, which has applied for emergency use authorisation of its DNA vaccine.

Mandaviya said while the Serum Institute of India has begun providing 11-12 crore (110-120 million) doses of Covishied vaccine every month, Biological E is conducting a third-phase trial of its vaccine, which is expected to come in the market by September-October with 7.5 crore (75 million) doses.

On ensuring adequate medical oxygen in preparation for the next surge of Covid cases, he told the House that 1,573 oxygen plants have been planned in hospitals across the country. Of these, 316 have been commissioned so far and the rest will start operations by August end, he added.(SAM)