Union Health Minister JP Nadda spearheaded the launch of India’s first indigenously produced Tetanus and Adult Diphtheria (TD) vaccine at Kasauli’s Central Research Institute, heralding a new era of self-reliance in vaccines. This February 21 event in Himachal Pradesh celebrates CRI’s pioneering effort to bolster national immunization drives.
Lauding the CRI team, Nadda called the vaccine a ‘milestone stone’ in public health architecture, symbolizing unwavering government dedication to Atmanirbhar Bharat. With 99 percent vaccination coverage now achieved, India is leaping ahead on the world stage, thanks to such innovations.
CRI will supply 5.5 million TD doses to the Universal Immunization Programme by April 2026, gradually increasing production to meet demands. Nadda applauded PM Modi’s directives, which have galvanized states to meet health sector targets.
India’s ‘pharmacy of the world’ moniker shines brighter, backed by its No. 3 WHO regulatory ranking. Nadda drew parallels: while tetanus vaccines took decades globally and Japanese Encephalitis a century, India mastered COVID-19 vaccines in nine months, distributing 220 crore+ doses digitally—a digital health revolution.
This vaccine fortifies adult immunity against tetanus and diphtheria, reducing disease burdens. As CRI ramps up, it promises sustained public health gains, cementing India’s leadership in vaccine equity and rapid development.