With more than 20,000 H1N1 cases in India, the central administration has started discussions with 4 global vaccine makers to import the swine flu vaccine.

The announcement was made by Indian Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Friday.

During question hour, Azad told the Lok Sabha, "The government is exploring the possibility of importing the H1N1 vaccines and anticipating early release of foreign made vaccines."

The minister also said that the Indian Council of Medical Research is making talks with GSK, Baxter, Novartis and Sanofi Pasteur, which have shown interest in marketing flu vaccine in the Indian market.

But, Azad said the proper timings of vaccine availability will hinge upon a variety of factors comprising the outcome of these reports.

Moreover, Mr. Azad has also announced a new plan to establish a network of trauma care centers along the Golden Quadrilateral, and the north-south and east-west passageways of the national highways.

The minister added that the complete project is approximated to cost around Rs 732.75 crore.

In his statement to Lok Sabha, Azad wrote, "The trauma care facilities are established by upgrading and strengthening existing selected government hospitals situated along the national highways in the 11th Five Year Plan."