Lasker and Pasteur awards winner, receiver of the Albert B. Sabin Gold Medal, Father of Polysaccharide Vaccines, Dr. John B. Robbins was felicitated by by Bharat Biotech International Ltd. for his tremendous contribution to the world of vaccines on 19th March, in an elegant ceremony at Taj Banjara. Dr. Kodela Sivaprasada Rao, Honorable Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh was the Chief Guest. The well attended function included luminaries from the field of medicine, scientists of repute and the crème de la crème of the corporate world.

In his lecture on "Emerging Enteric Bacterial Diseases," Dr. Robbins disclosed that he has reasons to believe that some bacteria and virus are also responsible for causing cancer. His tests revealed that Salmonella typhi, a human papilloma virus causing cervical cancer could be prevented by taking the TYPHOID vaccine. He also cautioned that it is not easy to diagnose Typhoid and hence it is all the more necessary to vaccinate children and adults. He expressed the need for a strong immunisation policy to cover all vital vaccines.

In his address, the Chief Guest outlined the immunisation policies of the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh and confirmed with pride that the State of AP was free of polio since the year 2000. The Govt. also has plans to cover the entire state under the Hepatitis B immunisation programme by 2003. Steps have been taken to ensure the regular procurement of J.E. Vaccine for the prevention of Japanese Encephalitis in children. The Minister also pointed out that correct policy decisions have been taken by the Government to support and extend the immunisation coverage for all infectious diseases. He lauded the vital contributions made by Dr. John Robbins to Vaccinology & Immunology and also invited him to advise the State Govt. on issues of vaccination.

Dr. Habibullah, Father of Gastroenterology in India, commended the entrepreneurship of the scientist. Dr. Krishna Ella, CMD, Bharat Biotech and stated that Bharat Biotech's contribution to the vaccine programme has been considerable. He hoped that Bharat Biotech would continue to develop and produce new vaccines at affordable costs for people of the Asia-Pacific.

Dr. Krishna Ella in his address stated that the company is on the threshold of launching a Vi Polysaccharide vaccine developed by in-house R&D with strains given by Dr. John Robbins. A corporate presentation showcasing the recently expanded facility of Bharat Biotech highlighted the state-of-the-art international class facility in place, making it the largest biotech facility in Asia Pacific.

Manufacturer of the world's first Caesium Chloride free vaccine for Hepatitis-B, Bharat Biotech also gets the credit of manufacturing India's first indigenous probiotic yeast. It is also the first Indian company to get a global patent on a new molecule-Lysostaphin against Staphylococcal infection.

The function concluded with felicitations to Dr. John B. Robbins, Sri Kodela Sivaprasada Rao and Mr. Habibullah.