In a significant boost to India’s healthcare self-reliance, Union Health Minister JP Nadda inaugurated the indigenously developed Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (TD) vaccine at the Central Research Institute in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. This milestone event marks the first time the institute has rolled out a homegrown TD vaccine, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to public health innovation.
Nadda hailed the achievement as a cornerstone in strengthening India’s public health infrastructure. Speaking at the launch, he praised the CRI team for their dedication, emphasizing how this vaccine exemplifies the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat vision in the health sector. ‘This launch not only showcases our growing vaccine manufacturing prowess but also pushes our immunization coverage to an impressive 99 percent,’ Nadda stated, drawing global attention to India’s strides in healthcare.
The TD vaccine will play a crucial role in the Universal Immunization Programme, with CRI committing to supply 5.5 million doses by April 2026. Production is set to ramp up progressively, ensuring steady availability for nationwide distribution. Nadda credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership for driving relentless efforts across states to achieve self-sufficiency in health and pharmaceuticals.
India’s reputation as the ‘world’s pharmacy’ received further validation with this development. The country now ranks third in WHO’s regulatory systems for vaccines, a point of national pride. Nadda contrasted historical vaccine development timelines—decades for tetanus and nearly a century for Japanese Encephalitis—with India’s rapid response during COVID-19, developing two indigenous vaccines in just nine months and administering over 220 crore doses, including boosters, via digital certificates.
This launch is more than a scientific triumph; it’s a testament to India’s evolving role as a global leader in affordable, effective vaccines. As production scales, it promises enhanced protection against tetanus and diphtheria for adults, safeguarding public health for generations.