India has begun the supply of Indian manufactured vaccines to neighbouring countries to combat the novel coronavirus from Wednesday, with the first batch of Covishield vaccine, manufactured by the Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII), already been dispatched to Bhutan and Maldives. Bhutan will get 150,000 doses whereas a consignment containing 100,000 doses of Covishield vaccine will reach the Maldives on January 20.

First supplies of vaccines will be sent to Bhutan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, and Seychelles from January 20, with consignments to Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, and Mauritius to commence once necessary regulatory clearances come in, the India foreign ministry said on Tuesday.

The Indian government has also conducted a training programme, covering administrative and operational aspects for those involved in the immunization process from a cold chain, communication and data managers of the recipient countries for two days, a statement from the Indian foreign ministry said.

India, being referred to as the pharmacy of the world, has been at the forefront of providing medicines and generic drugs, ever since the dreaded pandemic engulfed the world. India had earlier supplied hydroxychloroquine, Remdesivir, and paracetamol tablets, as well as diagnostic kits, ventilators, masks, gloves, and other medical supplies to a large number of countries. India has also provided training to several neighbouring countries to enhance and strengthen their clinical capabilities, under the Partnerships for Accelerating Clinical Trials (PACT) programme, the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement.

This move comes after India began its vaccination drive in a phased manner to cover the healthcare workers, frontline workers, and the most vulnerable group.