Expert panel to mull sourcing, delivery of Russian Covid vaccine today

Prioritising groups to be given vaccine, logistics and cold chain will be dwelt on by national expert group headed by V K Paul of NITI Aayog

As Russia launches the world's first Covid vaccine, Sputnik V, India’s expert group on vaccine administration will meet on Wednesday to discuss suitable selection, delivery, procurement of the coronavirus vaccine, the health ministry said on Tuesday. 

“The committee will advise the government on these terms of reference such as procurement, logistics, selection which is their main mandate...There are laid out procedures for vaccine or drug procurement in the country,” said Rajesh Bhushan, health secretary. 

He did not comment on whether India will tie-up with Russia to access the vaccine but said various issues such as prioritising the groups that would