The Samikhsya Bureau
Bhubaneswar: An advanced and vibrant vaccine manufacturing unit was put on fast track with Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy reviewing the project today in a high level meeting.
Principal Secretary, Science and Technology Santosh Sarangi presented the updates for discussion.
Chief Secretary directed to start the ground level construction work within a fortnight and commence production within the scheduled time frame.
He further directed the developer Bharat Biotech International Ltd (BBIL) to set up a ‘state of the art’ biotech incubation center, common facilities and IT corridor along with the first phase construction of the industry.
Secretary, Skill Development and Technical Education and IDCO Managing Director Sanjay Kumar Singh appraised the latest development of the project. “The land is readily available at Biotech Park, Andharua in Bhubaneswar for ground breaking works. The building plan as per the design has also been approved”, he informed.
“The start-ups in Odisha are doing well and many of them have already acquired patent of their innovations. As of now around 774 startups are operating in various incubation centers out of whom around 65 incubates have acquired patent, trade mark and copy writ etc. Around 75 startups are incubating in biotech and health sector”, Singh added.
BBIL Chairman and Managing Director Dr. Krishna Ella said explained that BBIL is a multidimensional biotechnology company specializing in manufacture of vaccines and bio-therapeutics.
“The company has taken up the development and production of new or improved vaccines against severe rotavirus diarrhea, malaria, Japanese Encephalitis, rabies, pandemic influenza and drug resistant staphylococcus aureus.
Its unit at Andharua would produce ten types of vaccines including malaria and covid vaccine. The total investment would be around Rs.300-crorer. Best of the technology will be put in the unit”, Ella elaborated.
Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, Director of Indian Institute of Life Sciences, Bhubaneswar Dr. Ajay Parida and senior officers of the Department of Science & Technology and IDCO participated in the deliberations.
