In a milestone for Atmanirbhar Bharat in health, Union Health Minister launches an indigenously manufactured Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (Td) vaccine developed at the Central Research Institute in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh.

Nadda frames the rollout as strengthening national health security and public health infrastructure, aligning with India’s self-reliance vision and boosting the country’s status as a major vaccine producer.

He commends CRI and its scientists, positioning the Td launch as a key step toward healthcare autonomy and deeper public sector vaccine capability.

The Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) currently covers 11 vaccines for 12 diseases, reaching a large annual cohort of around 5 crore beneficiaries including pregnant women and children.

Each year, roughly 2 to 2.5 crore children are born and as many women become pregnant; pregnancy registrations and birth outcomes are tracked digitally, with immunization extending to age 16 across 27 doses.

UIP immunises about 5 crore pregnant women and children up to age 16 against 12 diseases, with consideration to include the HPV vaccine to curb cervical cancer incidence.

The broader context includes ongoing discussions on digital health infrastructure, vaccine diplomacy, and immunisation strategies in India.

Nadda notes continued public health efforts—antenatal care, vaccination tracking, and UIP expansion—to improve coverage and health outcomes.

India’s digital initiatives like U-WIN track immunisation of mothers and children and send automated reminders to ensure vaccination completion.

India’s pandemic response is highlighted as evidence of rapid vaccine development, including two indigenous vaccines in nine months and Vaccine Maitri, through which vaccines were supplied to about 100 countries.

Nadda argues that India’s vaccination achievements, including digital certificates and near-total Covid-19 coverage, surpass those of the US in some respects.

The event underscores digital health progress and Vaccine Maitri, noting vaccine diplomacy and free provision to dozens of recipients.