Odisha Govt Starts Construction Of Vaccine Manufacturing Unit In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has announced that the construction work of a vaccine production unit has started at the outskirts of Andharua in Bhubaneshwar and a target has been set to commence production of Covaxin by June 2022.

The announcement was made after a state-level Bio-Tech implementation committee meeting was held virtually under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra.

Chief Secretary Mahapatra directed to expedite construction of the anchor vaccine production unit and laying off other critical infrastructure. Target was set to start the production of vaccines including Covaxin by June 2022, as per the release.

The vaccine unit is being set up through Bharat Biotech International Ltd (BBIL) and will produce around 10 types of advanced vaccines, including that for coronavirus and malaria.

“Smooth land allotment process by the IDCO [Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation] and ‘ease of doing business’ reforms have helped in beginning the process,” Suresh Mahapatra said, adding that statutory clearances and permissions have also been granted for setting up the unit.

Mahapatra also directed the department to set up a professional Directorate of Bio-Technology for having a focused approach towards the incubation and setting up of new industries in the sector.