New Delhi: India would go by scientific advice in deciding which Covid- 19 vaccine to use, emphasising that safety is as important as speed, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.

Even as he said it was a national commitment to provide the shots to all citizens. Prime Minister Narendra Modi his virtual interaction with Chief Ministers as to when the vaccine would be available, he said this was the task of the scientific community and the regulators and not for him to comment on. Modi assured the states that the vaccination strategy and the initial rollout would be finalized in consultation with them and said it has not been decided as to which vaccine would be available at what price.

Prime Minister noted that participants in Tuesday’s discussions were political leaders and added some people would do politics and this was not something he could stop. The comments were read in the context of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s demand the PM should reveal which vaccine India would use. Official sources, though, said the Modi was underlining that such decisions would be taken on the basis of expert advice.

His virtual interaction with the CMs was cordial and productive, said the sources. Though two India- based vaccines are at the forefront, we’re working with global firms also, said Modi, adding that adverse reactions were seen in drugs available for 20 years and more and so a decision needed to be taken on some scientific basis.

Safety is as important as safety for us. Whichever, vaccine India will give to its citizens will be safe on all scientific criteria, Modi said while reviewing the Covid- 19 situation. He met Chief Ministers in two batches, with a separate discussion with CMs of eight worst affected states.