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MSD India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of US drug maker Merck & Co, plans to hire 300 people this year as it looks to expand its presence in the Indian market, where it intends to introduce more vaccines. The company plans to introduce vaccines for Rotavirus, Hepatitis A and Herpes in the next two years in the country.

"We currently have about 700 employees, which we will increase to 1,000 by December end this year," MSD managing director Naveen Rao said.

The new hiring will be for all areas of its operations, he said, adding the company has identified five segments - oncology, neurology, metabolics, cardio-vascular and critical care - for growth in the country.

"We will bring in vaccines for Hepatitis A, Herpes Zoster and Rotavirus within two years," he said, adding the Rotavirus vaccine is expected to be brought out this year itself as it is waiting for approval.

Asked if the company planned to set up a manufacturing base in India, Rao said, "We are looking everywhere not just in India but where ever it works out. But even without a facility here (India), we are committed to bring medicines at the right price."