The World Health Organization (WHO) says the Covaxin is effective and there are no concerns about safety, but suspending production for export would disrupt the supply of the vaccine.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has suspended the supply of Bharat Biotech's corona vaccine Covaxin through the United Nations agencies.
This decision has been taken to remove the deficiencies found in the inspection and upgrade the facilities.
According to the WHO statement, countries receiving the vaccine have been asked to take appropriate action, but it is not clear what the appropriate action will be.
The WHO said the vaccine is effective and there are no concerns about safety, but suspending production for export would disrupt the supply of the vaccine.
Also Read: Explainer: What is COVID-19 XE Variant, Symptoms & Effects, WHO issues warning; Know More
The suspension is in response to the results of a WHO Post Emergency Use Listing (EUL) inspection from March 14 to 22. The vaccine maker has also indicated its commitment to suspend production of Covaxin for export.
The decision to reduce the production of a vaccine for some time. The company said it has already fulfilled its supply obligations to procurement agencies and demand is expected to remain subdued. In this situation, it has been decided to reduce production.
Bharat Biotech said in a statement that for the coming period, the company will focus on maintenance, process and facility optimization activities.
During the past year, all existing units for continuous production of the vaccine were renovated to manufacture Covaccine, the company said.
Therefore, keeping all these aspects in mind, it is necessary to work to upgrade the facilities.