Health Minister to inform P’ment tomorrow of COVID-19 vaccine plans

Wednesday, 6 January 2021 00:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Minister to reply to questions raised by Opp. Leader on plans for vaccination program in country
Premadasa says many countries already placed orders for vaccines found to be successful against coronavirus
Queries what measures Govt. has taken in this regard

Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi will inform Parliament tomorrow with details of the Government’s roadmap for the import and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in Sri Lanka, the House was told yesterday.

Leader of the House Dinesh Gunawardena said this in response to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa on the measures the Government has taken to obtain the vaccines.

Premadasa said several vaccines including those manufactured by Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna developed by the US, Oxford AstraZeneca produced by UK, and Sputnik produced by Russia has shown to be successful against the COVID and many countries have already placed orders.

“Over 90% of production of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine has been ordered by many countries. Even the Sinovac vaccine developed by China has been ordered by 60 countries although the research has not been completed,” Premadasa said.

He said that a COVAX program has been drawn up by Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and WHO. It has been planned to make the vaccine available for 20% of the population in all countries.

Premadasa questioned whether the Sri Lankan Government is planning to rely on COVAX program or to go for an alternative or if the Government is planning to purchase Pfizer vaccine which has been approved by WHO.

“I would also like to question as to what steps the Government is planning to take against those who are promoting false cures for COVID-19 and would also like to know whether the National Pharmaceuticals Regulatory Authority had approved these medicines,” he added.