Russian president calls for ensuring independence in vaccines and medicines

Moscow, April 21 (RHC)-- Russia should be ready to develop "its own test systems in 4 days" and "create effective vaccines and start their mass production as soon as possible in case a dangerous infection" similar to coronavirus emerges, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday during his annual address to the Federal Assembly.

The premier ordered to ensure his country's independence in the whole area of vaccines and medicines, including against drug-resistant viruses.  "We must have a strong and reliable health and biological security shield. Now we understand what it is.  It is necessary to ensure Russia's independence in the production of the whole range of vaccines, pharmaceutical substances, including drugs against infections resistant to the current generation of antibiotics," Putin stressed, adding that this should be done with maximum use of Russian equipment and domestic components.

During his speech, the Russian president also stated that the three coronavirus vaccines developed in Russia "are a direct embodiment of the country's growing scientific and technological potential."  Putin ured the Russian population to get vaccinated, stating that "there is no other way."  All citizens of the country should have the opportunity to be inoculated so that next autumn the collective immunity against the coronavirus will be established, he said.