Her remarks on X came after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appointed a committee to study whether the Covid-19 vaccines had any side effects.
Published Jul 03, 2025 | 12:32 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 03, 2025 | 12:32 PM
Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw.
Synopsis: Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said that it was important to acknowledge the science and data-driven processes behind the development of vaccines, rather than engaging in retrospective blame. She remarked after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appointed a committee to study whether the Covid-19 vaccines had any side effects.
Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw said on Thursday, 3 July, that it was important to acknowledge the science and data-driven processes behind the development of Covid-19 vaccines, rather than engaging in retrospective blame. Her remarks on X came after Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah appointed a committee to study whether the Covid-19 vaccines had any side effects.
On Tuesday, Siddaramaiah formed a committee of experts under the leadership of Dr Ravindranath, Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, and instructed them to submit a study report within 10 days.
Siddaramaiah had said that, in the past month alone, more than 20 people died due to heart attacks in the Hassan district. He said the government was taking the matter very seriously and had formed the committee to identify the exact cause of this series of deaths and to find solutions.
Mazumdar-Shaw said the Covid-19 vaccines developed in India were approved under the Emergency Use Authorisation framework, following rigorous protocols aligned with global standards for safety and efficacy.
She added that much like any other vaccine, Covid-19 vaccines may also have “side effects in a very small number of individuals”.
“To suggest that these vaccines were ‘hastily’ approved is factually incorrect and contributes to public misinformation. These vaccines have saved millions of lives and, like all vaccines, may cause side effects in a very small number of individuals. It is important to acknowledge the science and data-driven processes behind their development, rather than engage in retrospective blame,” she added.
COVID-19 vaccines developed in India were approved under the Emergency Use Authorisation framework, following rigorous protocols aligned with global standards for safety and efficacy. To suggest that these vaccines were ‘hastily’ approved is factually incorrect and contributes to… https://t.co/uMEcMXzBV0
— Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) July 3, 2025
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) had said on Wednesday that extensive studies conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, have conclusively established no linkage between Covid-19 vaccines and sudden deaths among adults.
The comprehensive investigation into sudden and unexplained deaths has been carried out through several agencies across the country. Studies by ICMR and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) affirm that Covid-19 vaccines in India are safe and effective, with extremely rare instances of serious side effects.
Siddaramaiah said orders were given to the same committee in February to conduct a thorough study on the reasons behind sudden deaths among young people in the state, and whether the Covid vaccines could have any adverse effects.
“In this regard, the process of examining and analyzing heart patients is also underway,” he wrote on X.
“We too value the lives of children, youth, and innocent people who have their entire lives ahead of them, and we share the concerns of their families. I condemn the actions of BJP leaders who are using such matters for their political gains. It cannot be denied that the hasty approval and distribution of the Covid vaccine to the public could also be a reason for these deaths, as several studies worldwide have recently indicated that COVID vaccines could be a cause for the increasing number of heart attacks. Before BJP criticize us on this matter, they should ask their conscience,” he added.
“We are fully committed to finding the true cause behind these sudden series of deaths happening in Hassan district and across the state and to preventing them. With this goal, we have already implemented schemes like Hridaya Jyothi and Gruha Arogya to monitor public health. Based on the report from the expert committee under Dr. Ravindranath’s guidance, necessary actions will also be taken,” Siddaramaiah said.
Saying that the state government had been making every possible effort to protect the health of the people, he added, “I urge everyone to visit the nearest health center immediately for a check-up if you have symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing. Do not ignore these signs.”
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
