SII’s Adar Poonawalla says rules for entry into Britain a total chaos

SII’s Adar Poonawalla on October 1 said that the British government’s refusal to recognise India’s Covishield is causing total chaos at their borders.

“It is total chaos. I am calling on all countries to work together, harmoniously, to sign a mutually agreed pact. We can at least acknowledge a certification programme using vaccines approved by the World Health Organization (WHO),” said Mr Poonawalla.
“If you take a WHO approved vaccine, it shouldn’t matter which country you take it in – it is the same vaccine that has been made by the same people.”

Poonawalla also told the daily that SII would resume exports of COVID-19 vaccines in October after a six-month export freeze.

“Our exports to Covax will recommence again in October, initially these supplies will be small but by January 2022, once we have satisfied domestic demands – people forget that India is still a lower-middle income country – we will see large volumes go to Covax.”

Amid the row over recognition of Indian vaccine certificates in the United Kingdom, the Centre on October 1 imposed reciprocal travel curbs, including mandatory quarantine, for travellers arriving from the UK.

The stringent rules will be applicable from October 4 for all UK nationals arriving in the country, irrespective of their vaccination status. The Ministries of Home Affairs and Civil Aviation will take steps to implement the decision.

The UK had earlier officially recognized the covishield vaccine as one of four jabs which if taken, ensured international visitors could enter the UK. However, Indians who took it in India still had to meet the strict mandatory quarantine rules while visiting the UK.
Last month, Moneycontrol had reported India’s hard stance on the manner after New Delhi had threatened to put reciprocal measures.

According to the new rules, UK nationals would be required to undertake a pre-departure COVID-19 RT-PRC test within 72 hours before travel. They would be tested again upon their arrival at the airports in India, and another RT-PCR test would be conducted on the eighth day after their arrival.

The UK had moved India from its “red” to “amber” list on August 8.

The SII chief in August had also announced financial assistance of Rs 10 crores to students heading to the UK and elsewhere who had to pay for quarantine before they join college.

“Dear students traveling abroad, as a few countries are yet to approve COVISHIELD as an acceptable vaccine for travel without quarantine, you may have to incur some costs. I have set aside Rs.10 crores for this, apply below for financial support if needed,” Poonawalla had said in a tweet.
“I remain fully committed to helping Indian students quarantine abroad on arrival for their higher studies. The new Amber List in the UK rules makes it clear that Indian students will still need to quarantine, albeit at a place of their choosing. They may, therefore, still incur substantial costs.” he added. Moneycontrol