Experts call for quicker finalisation of SL’s COVID vaccine roadmap

Wednesday, 6 January 2021 00:28 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Leading manufacturers approved by many globally awaiting Lankan Govt. nod and signing of confidentiality agreements for first token distribution
COVAX Facility to which Govt. committed only ensures vaccination for 20% of population
Clear roadmap including Govt.-funded immunisation percentage will help fast-track, meet growing private sector and individual demand
Local agents of global manufacturers commit to transparent pricing at cost

Healthcare industry experts are urging the Government to step up efforts to finalise Sri Lanka’s commitment for and requirement of COVID vaccine as more delay could jeopardise the country’s chances to mitigate the effects of the pandemic on people and the economy.

Sources said that all approved leading manufacturers of vaccination for COVID require a firm expression of interest from the Government as well as signing confidentiality agreements for the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) to proceed with.

Whilst healthcare industry sources welcomed the Cabinet decision this week to take further steps in the global and WHO supported initiative COVAX Facility for vaccination of COVID, experts said Sri Lanka has been relatively slow in comparison to some of the other Asian countries.

The COVAX Facility ensures vaccine allocation for 20% of the population but experts said Sri Lanka must specify its COVID vaccination roadmap and how much of the population will be subject to immunisation and how. This is also critical since there is pressure from private sector and individuals to benefit from vaccination.

“All leading manufacturers whose vaccinations have been approved would prefer to make the first allocation to governments. If Sri Lanka fast tracks the paper work and other commitments, the country can receive the initial set of vaccination by March or April,” they added.

Once the NMRA approves the vaccinations and the Government outlines the percentage of the population it wants to vaccinate, the country’s private sector can expedite importation.

Representatives of major manufacturers of vaccination has assured there will be strict transparency in pricing with emphasis on supplying it at cost.

So far vaccines developed by Pfizer and Germany’s BioNTech, Oxford University and AstraZeneca, and China’s Sinopharm are being used or ordered globally. According to the WHO there are currently over 50 COVID-19 vaccine candidates in trials.

Cabinet approves Health Ministry proposal to submit second part of COVAX application