Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday emphasised that India is entering into a decisive battle against COVID-19, as the country prepares for the Made in India vaccination drive from January 16.

Making the closing remarks at the meeting with state chief ministers on Covid vaccine roll-out, Modi said that the public representatives are not in the priority list and the first round of vaccines will be given to the frontline workers. He also said that the state governments will not have to pay for the first round of Covid vaccines as the Centre will bear the cost.

"We have to continue creating public awarreness, but the maximum awarreness is required after the second and third round when we complete three crore vaccinations," Modisaid.

"Public representatives are not in the priority list. Only the frontline and healthcare workers are on the list. The fight against coronavirus is an example of India's federalism," he aid.

"India is entering into a decisive battle against COVID-19 and we should not let our guard down now. We are going to start the vaccination drive from January 16. It is a matter of pride for us that the two approved vaccines for COVID-19 are both Made in India," Modi said.

Modi said that both the Indian vaccines were more cost-effective than any other vaccine in the world.

"Apart from the two already approved vaccines, four others are in the pipeline. It will help us plan for the future in a better way. Our experts have taken all precautions to provide the countrymen with effective vaccines," Modi said.

(IANS)