New Delhi: The Union Government on Thursday said Sputnik V vaccine of Russia is likely to be available in market from next week. Due to the Covid – 19 vaccines shortage in various states deepened and restrictions were brought in for vaccination. Several states including Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Delhi are floating global tenders for vaccine supply.

Dr VK Paul, Chairman of the National Expert Committee on Covid – 19 Vaccine Administration said that I’m happy to say that we are hopeful that Sputnik V vaccine will be available in the market next week.

We are hopeful that the sale of the limited supply that has come from Russia will begin next week, he said. He added that further supply will follow and the production of the Covid – 19 vaccines will begin in July. It is estimated that 15.6 crore doses will be manufactured in that period, he said.

A group of scientists from the United States, the Netherlands, Italy, France and Russia, meanwhile, flagged concerns over the results of phase 3 studies specifically data discrepancies, trial protocols, and the accuracy and quality of data from which conclusions were drawn. The Russian scientists have stressed their data meets clear and transparent standards considered sufficient for regulatory review and approvals.

Union Minister Anurag Thakur in a tweet on Sunday wrote that 1.5 lakh doses of Sputnik V have already reached India and RDIF has also tied up with local Indian companies for bulk production.