In a shocking development, a massive fire has been reported today at the Serum Institute of India in Pune at a facility, which is under construction at the moment.
However, according to reports, this is not likely to affect the production of Covishield, the vaccine for the coronavirus developed by the SII in partnership with the Oxford University and British-Swedish pharma firm AstraZeneca.
Moreover, currently, efforts are ongoing to put out the blaze with at least eight fire tenders on the spot. Moreover, police and local administration have reached the site with relief operations being launched. However, no casualties have been reported as of now.
Meanwhile, CM Uddhav Thackeray is in touch with Pune Municipal Commissioner and is taking complete on-ground updates. He has directed state machinery to coordinate and ensure that situation is under control, as informed by the Chief Minister's office.
Earlier on January 13, Mumbai received over 1.39 lakh doses of the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, from the Pune-based Serum Institute of India. The vaccine doses are being stored at a facility in F-South ward office situated in Parel. The civic body has also created a centralised cold storage facility for vaccines in Kanjurmarg.
However, State Health Minister Rajesh Tope has alleged that the Centre has provided only 55 per cent of the required dose to the state. Maharashtra needs a total of 17 lakh doses including buffer stock. Despite this, the Central Government has provided 9.63 lakh doses only for the first phase.
This is a developing story. Will be updated once more information is made available.
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