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Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Saturday (February 21, 2026) launched the indigenously manufactured tetanus and grownup diphtheria (Td) vaccine on the Central Research Institute (CRI) in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.
Describing the indigenous launch of the vaccine as a momentous event, he mentioned the launch marks a major step in direction of safeguarding nationwide well being safety and strengthening India’s public well being infrastructure.
55 lakh doses by April
With the formal launch of the Td vaccine, it has now been launched for provide below the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP). The Central Research Institute will provide 55 lakh doses by way of UIP by April this 12 months, with manufacturing anticipated to scale up progressively in subsequent years to additional strengthen the programme carried out by the Government of India, mentioned Mr. Nadda whereas addressing the gathering.
Highlighting India’s international standing, the Minister additionally acknowledged that the nation is extensively recognised because the “pharmacy of the world” and is among the many main vaccine producers globally. “Historically, vaccine and drug development timelines were long, tetanus vaccine development took decades globally, tuberculosis medicines took nearly 30 years to evolve and the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine took almost a century of scientific effort,” he mentioned, including “In contrast, during the COVID-19 pandemic, India developed two indigenous vaccines within nine months and administered over 220 crore doses, including booster doses.”
Done below GMP requirements
Mr. Nadda mentioned that CRI is the primary authorities institute to fabricate vaccines below Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) requirements, reflecting the modernisation and revitalisation of public sector vaccine manufacturing models.
He mentioned the Universal Immunization Programme is the world’s largest immunisation programme, which at present supplies 11 vaccines defending in opposition to 12 vaccine-preventable ailments, wherein CRI has made substantial contributions.
Published – February 21, 2026 04:52 pm IST
