As Indian regulators approved two COVID-19 vaccines, its neighbours are racing to seek agreements with the government of India to procure vaccines. Bhutan is also in discussion with Indian authorities for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

Bhutanese Prime Minister Dr. Lotay Tshering said on Monday evening the government has communicated regarding this to Indian authorities, and they have assured us of their support.

Due to limited production capacity in Europe and other western countries, he said, the procurement of vaccines isn’t easy from the west. Like other neighbors, Bhutan is also counting on India’s support, the prime minister said.

Serum Institute of India is locally manufacturing the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, Covishield. The Indian government also granted emergency use authorization for Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech.

Bhutanese prime minister also said that given the logistics feasibility, the Oxford vaccine will be most suitable for the country. Currently, the Serum Institute is the world’s biggest manufacturer of Covid vaccines, with a monthly capacity of around 50 million doses.

The government has planned all regulations and measures in advance for the procurement of vaccines and would start vaccinating as soon as it gets hold of it, he said. All the logistics arrangements to roll out the vaccines are in place, Dr. Lotay added.