The nation has been eagerly waiting for some good news regarding the delivery of Covid-19 vaccine and its availability to all, and today it has come. PM Narendra Modi, in a meeting with leaders of various political parties to discuss the COVID-19 pandemic situation in the country, said that India's vaccination programme against COVID-19 would begin as soon as a go-ahead from scientists is given. Modi revealed that experts believe the wait for the COVID-19 vaccine will not be long and it may be ready in a few weeks. PM Modi also said that healthcare workers involved in treating coronavirus patients, frontline workers and old people suffering from serious conditions would be inoculated on priority.

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Floor leaders from all parties in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha were invited to attend the virtual meeting with PM Modi today.

"India's vaccination drive would begin as soon as we get a go-ahead from scientists. The Centre is working on the basis of suggestions from state governments about who will be innoculated in the first phase of the vaccination drive," he said.

Nearly eight vaccines are at different stages of trial with their manufacturing assured in India, Modi said. Three vaccines from India are also at different stages of trial, he said.

"Priority in this (vaccination) will be given to the healthcare workers involved in treating COVID-19 patients, frontline workers and old people suffering from serious conditions," he said.

PM also revealed how the work has been allocated. He said Central and state government teams are working in tandem for the distribution of the vaccine against COVID-19.

"Our scientists are very confident of succeeding in their endeavour of developing a vaccine against COVID-19. There are names of vaccines from different countries doing the rounds in the market, but the world is keeping a watch on having the cheapest and safest vaccine. That is why, it is natural that the world is watching India," he said.

In his remarks, Modi also said, "We must make sure rumours are not spread during vaccination, rumours that are anti-national and anti-human. Thus, all political parties must make sure that we save all Indians from such rumours and spread awareness."