Kerala is keen on setting up a Covid vaccine manufacturing plant and has started preliminary discussions in this regard, Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan has said.

Speaking to media persons on Friday evening, he said “it is too early to say anything on the project as of now” but offered to disclose details later.

The Chief Minister has convened a meeting to discuss on the proposal of setting up a Covid vaccine plant in the State. The ministers of Health, Industries and officials from Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) and other officials from different departments have participated.

It may be recalled that the Russian team had held informal discussions with the government in setting up the Sputnik vaccine plant in the State.

P Rajeeve, the State Industries Minister told BusinessLine that “the discussion so far held with Russian Counsel General and Sputnik FDI team was only preliminary.” The government, he said, has earmarked 10 acres at Life Sciences Park in Thonnakkal in Thiruvananthapurm for the vaccine production facility.

To a question on the expected time frame for the completion of the project, the Minister said a letter of intent would be submitted to the vaccine manufacturers for which the KSIDC has been entrusted to prepare the draft. Later the government has to sign an MoU for the project.

Meanwhile, KSIDC is reported to be looking at potential knowledge partners for setting up a ‘fill and finish’ facility for Covid-19 vaccine and a full-fledged vaccine manufacturing facility at its Life Sciences Park. The proposal for the vaccine production unit is part of the company’s efforts to turn Kerala into a major medical and healthcare destination, official sources said.

 

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