Modi to bring 12 lakh doses of AstraZeneca vaccine as ‘gift’: Health DG

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will bring 12 lakh doses of AstraZeneca vaccine during his upcoming Bangladesh visit as "gift", Prof ABM Khurshid Alam, director general of health directorate said today.

"We have been informed about 12 lakh doses officially," he told The Daily Star.

"The Indian decision to halt AstraZeneca vaccine export might affect our ongoing Covid-19 vaccination campaign," Prof Khurshid said.

He, however, said they have not been informed officially from the supplier company Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd till now.

The Daily Star tried to talk to Beximco Pharmaceuticals officials but could not reach them.

Rabbur Reza, Chief Operating Officer of Beximco, replied in a message saying, "Regarding vaccine shipment -- we don't have any update to share with you."

Global media reported that New Delhi has reportedly put a temporary hold on all major exports of the AstraZeneca vaccine made by the Serum Institute of India (SII) to meet demands at home as infections surge.