Replying to a question about the government’s preparedness to deal with the outbreak of the Omicron variant of COVID19, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandviya informed that a study is underway to assess it.

“We have initiated a study immediately and as of now, there are 36 labs in India where the genome sequencing has been done, and also we have been trying to tie up with private labs to increase the capacity,” the health minister said in his response to a question raised by the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) legislator N.K. Premachandran.

Mandaviya added that a decision on the need for booster shots will be taken after the study on the Omicron variant concludes.

Also Read: The Indian Medical Association warns of ‘massive’ third wave amid Omicron threat

He informed that after being reported for the first time in South Africa, the new variant’s cases have been found in 59 countries so far, and every country has been studying the effectiveness of the existing vaccines on it.

In response to another question on vaccination for children asked by BSP MP Ram Shiromani Verma , the health minister said that the decision will be taken after the experts submit their reviews.

Also Read: 85% eligible population has received the first dose of the COVID19 vaccine: Union Health Minister

He told the House that there are 23 cases of Omicron in India until now and they are under observation and the expert team is interacting with them on a daily basis and keeping track of the treatment response. 

The health minister however denied a question raised by Congress MP Manish Tewari about the need for a study on the side effects of the COVID19 vaccination.

Also Read: Omicron variant: Govt releases FAQs after 2 COVID19 cases attributed to the new strain in Karnataka

“The people have come out from vaccine hesitancy, so we do not want to get a study as of now barring some exceptional cases. We want to get the vaccination of all eligible populations with both doses as soon as possible,” he said in his reply.