Hassan heart attack death cases: India's top drugmakers rally behind Covid vaccines
Covid vaccines
, using various social media platforms, amid a series of deaths in Karnataka's Hassan district due to heart attacks.
Dilip Shanghvi, chairman and managing director at Sun Pharmaceuticals said in a post on LinkedIn, 'The deaths of multiple young individuals in one district of Karnataka due to cardiac ailments are unfortunate. While this appears to be specific to the district, linking it to the Covid-19 vaccine without any scientific evidence is "incorrect and misleading".
"India's vaccine approval process is rigorous and science-driven, and we must continue to have confidence in it. The vaccine has been administered to millions across the country. If there were a connection, we would have seen similar incidents in many other places — which is not the case. The State health authorities should thoroughly investigate the situation to determine the cause,' Sanghavi said.
Sorting to allay the apprehensions, Pankaj Patel, chairman,
Zydus Lifesciences
, which also manufactures Covid DNA vaccine, said in a post on X, 'There are other multiple reasons like age, environmental factors, genetics, lifestyle etc, that could be the leading cause of heart attacks in people. Several scientific studies globally and in India have conclusively shown that the risk of heart attack or myocarditis is greater after SARS-CoV-2 infection. #Vaccines save lives.'
Appreciating the vaccination programme, Patel said, "the massive vaccination programme in our country during the peak of Covid phase saved millions of people and families. In fact a study published in Lancet estimated that India averted almost 3.4 million deaths due to vaccination in the year 2021," he said.
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Satish Reddy, chairman, Dr Reddy's Laboratories, wrote, 'India-made vaccines are safe...backed by WHO and used worldwide. They helped end polio and fight Covid. At a time when India is seen as a vaccine leader, let's build trust in science, not doubt it. Public health must stay above politics.'
A post on X attributed to Samir Mehta, executive chairman,
Torrent Pharma
said, 'India has earned global recognition as the Pharmacy of the World, supplying safe and effective vaccines to over 90 countries…Let's not allow misinformation to erode trust in science or the integrity of India's healthcare ecosystem.'
Responding to rising concerns over the sudden deaths of more than 20 people in Hassan district, the Karnataka health department formed an expert committee to probe a possible link to Covid vaccines.
However, support came pouring in for Covid vaccines.
The
Indian Vaccine Manufacturers Association
said Covid-19 vaccines were developed and manufactured in the country with the highest safety and quality standards.
Assuring about the safety of these vaccines, Dr/ G.V.J.A. Harshavardhan, director general at the association said the approvals were based on extensive evaluation in preclinical studies and human clinical trials with positive results on safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity of the vaccines.
'Patient safety and product quality are always prioritised during the vaccine development and its manufacture,' he said in a statement. He said prior to releasing the vaccines, they were tested extensively for safety by the manufacturers and are also provided batch release certification by the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Sudarshan Jain, secretary general, Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) said during the pandemic, vaccines played a crucial role, and India consistently supplied medicines and vaccines across the world. "These vaccines have been well documented and rigorously tested as per regulatory processes. Misinformation and distortion of facts endanger public health and undermine the trust built on science and patient care globally".
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The Hindu
19 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Karnataka CM's remarks on Covid vaccines 'factually incorrect' says Biocon chief Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Siddaramaiah hits back
Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on Thursday (July 3, 2025) opposed Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's remarks linking Covid-19 vaccines with a spate of heart attack deaths in the state's Hassan district, saying such claims are 'factually incorrect' and 'misleading'. Siddaramaiah had suggested that the recent heart attack deaths in Hassan district may be linked to the vaccination drive. He had also claimed the vaccines were 'hastily' approved. 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… — Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw (@kiranshaw) July 3, 2025 In a social media post, Shaw said '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 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," Shaw, Executive Chairperson of the pharma company, said. Not misinformation, but governance rooted in empathy Responding to Shaw, in a post on X, Siddaramaiah said that as chief minister, 'I have a duty to respond to the genuine concerns of people who have lost loved ones unexpectedly. When parents lose their young children or families lose breadwinners without warning, seeking clarity is not misinformation; it is an act of governance rooted in empathy.' Pointing out that several studies and even admissions by manufacturers have acknowledged rare but serious adverse events, he said 'Scientific caution is not anti-science. Many peer-reviewed studies (such as Nature, Circulation, Journal of the American College of Cardiology) have discussed myocarditis and cardiac arrest risk, particularly among young adults post-vaccination, he said. Publicly funded stakeholders must acknowledge both the benefits and the potential risks without fear or favour.' "When I said 'hastily', it reflects the unprecedented speed of emergency rollouts globally without complete long-term data, acknowledged even by WHO and global regulatory agencies, who termed it a 'calculated risk' during a pandemic. Haste is not a sin when saving lives, but acknowledging potential unintended consequences is wisdom. Seeking answers is not retrospective blame. It is the duty of a government that values every life," the CM said. As Chief Minister, I have a duty to respond to the genuine concerns of people who have lost loved ones unexpectedly. When parents lose their young children or families lose breadwinners without warning, seeking clarity is not misinformation; it is an act of governance rooted in… — Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) July 3, 2025 Replying to his post again, Ms. Shaw said that while she concurs with the CM about asking questions and seeking answers in science, she clarified that her comments were related to whether Covid vaccines were approved in haste. 'My response was that due process was followed as prescribed by WHO for safety n efficacy for EUA. Losing lives in a sudden manner is always tragic n I am glad an investigation is being conducted in Hassan District (sic),' she said. CM's statement The Chief Minister had said on July 1 that over 20 people had died of heart attack in Hassan district in the past month alone, and that the state government was taking the matter seriously. He announced the formation of an expert committee led by Dr. Ravindranath, Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, to investigate the deaths. The committee has been instructed to submit its report within ten days. The CM said a similar directive had been issued in February to study sudden deaths among young people across the state and whether Covid-19 vaccines could have had any adverse effects. "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," Siddaramaiah had said. Union Health Ministry's clarification On Wednesday (July 2), the Union Health Ministry had dismissed the CM's statement, saying extensive studies by ICMR and AIIMS have conclusively established no linkages between coronavirus vaccines and sudden deaths. Studies by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and 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, it said. Sudden cardiac deaths can result from a wide range of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, pre-existing conditions, and post-covid complications, the ministry had said in a statement.
Hindustan Times
an hour ago
- Hindustan Times
Siddaramaiah responds to Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw's criticism, says ‘Seeking answers is our duty, not blame'
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday responded to Biocon Executive Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, who had criticised him for his recent comments suggesting a possible link between COVID-19 vaccines and the surge in heart-related deaths in Hassan district. The Chief Minister clarified that his government's intent was not to spread misinformation but to seek clarity and safeguard public health. Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Also Read - Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw hits back at Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah for hinting COVID vaccines are behind heart attacks in Hassan Here is what Siddaramaiah said Siddaramaiah said that questioning the effects of the vaccine and investigating the cause of rising deaths was not about laying blame but fulfilling a government's duty to protect lives. 'We value every life in Karnataka — especially those of children and young people who have their whole future ahead of them. Raising questions and conducting studies is part of our responsibility, not misinformation,' he said. The exchange follows a strong statement from Mazumdar-Shaw earlier this week, in which she criticised Siddaramaiah's remarks as factually incorrect. "To suggest that these vaccines were 'hastily' approved is factually incorrect and contributes to public misinformation," she said, adding that COVID-19 vaccines had saved millions of lives globally and went through rigorous approval processes. 'It's vital to respect science and data rather than indulge in retrospective blame,' she had asserted. In his detailed rebuttal, Siddaramaiah pointed to an alarming spike in cardiac deaths in Hassan district, where over 20 people reportedly died of heart attacks in a single month. 'This is not a matter to be brushed aside. We have formed an expert committee led by Dr. C.N. Manjunath, Director of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, to study the issue and submit findings within 10 days,' the CM stated. Also Read - Wrong side driving the new norm in Bengaluru? Viral video sparks outrage over rampant traffic violations He added that the same committee was tasked back in February to investigate sudden cardiac deaths among young individuals across Karnataka, including a probe into whether COVID-19 vaccines may have played any role. The government, he said, is actively collecting patient data, studying clinical patterns, and ensuring thorough scientific analysis. Siddaramaiah also accused BJP leaders of politicizing the issue for electoral gains. 'Before criticising our efforts, the BJP should reflect on their conscience. It cannot be denied that the vaccines were rolled out under emergency approvals and questions remain globally on side effects,' he remarked, citing recent international studies that have explored potential links between vaccination and increased cardiac incidents. Underscoring the government's commitment to public health, the CM mentioned ongoing state initiatives like Hridaya Jyothi and Gruha Arogya, aimed at proactive health screening and early detection of cardiovascular issues. He also urged citizens to take symptoms seriously. 'If anyone is experiencing chest pain, breathlessness, or uneasiness, please do not ignore it. Visit the nearest health center immediately,' he advised.
New Indian Express
2 hours ago
- New Indian Express
Karnataka CM Siddaramiah's claims on Covid vaccine factually wrong, says Biocon founder
BENGALURU: Refuting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's remark that the Covid-19 vaccine might be a reason for a sudden spike in heart attack-related deaths, Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw on Wednesday said that the vaccines were approved under the 'Emergency Use Authorisation' framework, adding that the CM was factually incorrect, contributing to public misinformation. On July 1, Siddaramaiah had claimed that it cannot be denied that the hasty approval and distribution of the Covid-19 vaccine to the public could also be a reason for heart attack deaths. Immediately, the Union Health Ministry took objection to his statement, and dismissed the Covid vaccine link with heart attack deaths. '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,' Kiran said on Wednesday, in her reply to the CM's X post. 'To suggest that these vaccines were 'hastily' approved is factually incorrect and contributes to public misinformation,' the Biocon founder stated. She further went on to say that 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 ended.
