In a statement released by AstraZeneca, the company has admitted to its dosing error and said that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is safe and effective. Partnered company Serum Institute of India (SII), which is holding trials for the vaccine in India, also said that the vaccine candidates are safe and trials are running smoothly with strict adherence to all the necessary protocols in India and that there is no need to panic.
“The AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine is safe and effective. Even the lowest efficacy results are at 60-70%, making it a viable vaccine against the virus. That said, varied age groups with different dosage forms will result in slight variations and efficacy. We must be patient and not panic. The Indian trials are running smoothly with strict adherence to all the necessary processes and protocols. So far, there are no concerns. However, we are going through the data that is available and will make a further statement, if needed,” the Pune-based SII said in a statement.
DCI FACES IRREGULARITIES AND CORRUPTION CHARGES
After the removal of Dr Majumdar as president of the Dental Council of India (DCI), the appointment of the council’s secretary has come under the spotlight. Due to procedural lapses and non-transparency in the appointment of DCI’s secretary, Dr Sabyasachi Saha may be disallowed to exercise his powers as the post-holder.
“The appointment of Dr Saha was made with the approval of the central body of DCI. Till the time the governing body reconsiders its earlier decision to appoint Dr Sabyasachi Saha as secretary, Dr Saha may be disallowed to exercise his powers as secretary, DCI, and M L Meena, Joint Secretary (Legal & Admin) may be asked to officiate as secretary, DCI in the interregnum,” said a letter issued to the Acting President by Nipun Vinayak, Joint Secretary, Department of Health & Family Welfare.
MEDICAL COLLEGES TO OPEN DOORS FOR STUDENTS
Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) has issued a notice to reopen the institute by December 1. The notice has been issued after receiving recommendations from apex medical regulator, the National Medical Commission (NMC), which recently issued directions to reopen medical colleges on or before December 1, 2020.
All institutions will have to adhere to Covid-related SOPs. The circular said, “All medical colleges/institutions shall ensure strict compliance of guidelines issued by the Ministry of Health Ministry Welfare State/UT Government about Covid-19 preventive measures including social distancing, use of mask and sanitisation measure of hostels, class, laboratories, lecture theatres, etc.”