IAS Gyan

Daily News Analysis

Mission COVID Suraksha

17th May, 2021 Health

GS PAPER II: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context: Under Atmanirbhar Bharat 3.0 Mission COVID Suraksha was announced by the Government of India.

Aim: To accelerate the development and production of Indigenous COVID Vaccines.

Implemented by: This is being implemented by Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India at Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), New Delhi.

Mission COVID Suraksha

It aims to augument the capacity of Indigenous production of Covaxin.

  • As a part of this augmentation plan, capacities of Bharat Biotech Limited, Hyderabad as well as other public sector manufactures are being upgraded with required infrastructure and technology.
  • Financial support is being provided as grant from GoI to the tune of approx. Rs 65 Cr to increase the capacity of vaccine production.

About DBT:

  • The Department of Biotechnology (DBT), under the Ministry of Science & Technology, promotes the use and application of biotechnology in the areas of agriculture, healthcare, animal sciences, environment and industry.
  • It is focused on attaining new heights in biotechnology research, shaping biotechnology into a premier precision tool of the future for creation of wealth and ensuring social justice – specially for the welfare of the poor.

About BIRAC:

  • Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is a not-for-profit Public Sector Enterprise, set up by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Government of India.
  • It act as an Interface Agency to strengthen and empower the emerging Biotech enterprise to undertake strategic research and innovation, addressing nationally relevant product development needs.

https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1718791