The Tamil Nadu Health Development Association (TNHDA), in a representation to the state government, demanded that steps should be taken to utilize the potential and expertise of King Institute of Preventive Medicine, Chennai to manufacture vaccines against newer and  preventable infectious diseases like swine flu (H1N1). TNHDA is a non-governmental organization focusing on healthcare in Tamil Nadu.

The office-bearers of the association said the Institute is now rendering services at the behest of Tamil Nadu Government in detecting swine flu and administering vaccines against the  infectious virus on payment.  If the Institute is able to manufacture vaccines for the newer diseases, all the people of the state can be administered the shots free of cost, said Dr CS Rex Sargunam, and Dr V Sampath, president and the secretary of the association.

While hailing the services rendered by the Institute in the field of vaccinology, Dr Rex said the efforts took by the Institute, besides its routine work, to produce Tetanus Toxoid and Anti-snake venom (ASV) are praiseworthy. This proves that the prestigious Institute can undertake the production of newer vaccines also.

Meanwhile, the health department has opened swine flu vaccine clinics in Chennai and other parts of the state to offer vaccinations at a subsidized cost.

The main clinic was opened at the King Institute. Two vaccines are available at the centres on nominal cost, VaxiFlu-S, injection and Nasovac, nasal spray. But in medical colleges and district hospitals in major cities, government is giving the vaccine free of cost, Dr RT Porkai Pandian, director of public health told Pharmabiz. He said the vaccination drive will continue for one month. However, the same vaccine is being administered to people in private hospitals at a higher rate.

King Institute’s objectives encompass the areas like preparation of vaccines, bacterial & viral diagnostics and academics & research. According to sources, manufacturing of Pertussis  vaccine, blending of the three components to make the DPT vaccine and expansion of activities in the area of virology to pave way for rapid diagnosis of viral diseases are the Institute’s future plans.