Hemas clarifies its stand amidst Govt.’s multiple efforts to procure COVID vaccine

Friday, 21 May 2021 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Hemas Pharmaceutical Ltd., the sole local representative for AstraZeneca and Pfizer in Sri Lanka, yesterday issued a statement clarifying its stand on country’s multiple efforts to source COVID vaccine.

It said these companies (AstraZeneca and Pfizer) are the current global leaders in producing the COVID-19 vaccine. As per the policy of the manufacturers, imports of these vaccines are restricted to respective governments to ensure good governance.

“In Sri Lanka too, the Government policy has been to register the COVID-19 vaccine under a local representative. The State Pharmaceutical Corporation (SPC) is the only institution authorised to import the vaccines on behalf of the Government.

“Further, restricting the importation only to the Government is to ensure that there is no undue profiteering by any party, as the manufacturers supply the vaccine at cost to make sure there is equitable access for all citizens, rich and poor,” Hemas said. “We welcome the request by the Ministry of Health to the private sector to assist and facilitate vaccine purchase from any source, despite a global shortage of supply. As the official agent for AstraZeneca/Pfizer in Sri Lanka, we will refer all offers other than directly from the manufacturer to the principal company for approval. Thus, we will stand by our mission to ensure importation of quality products into Sri Lanka,” Hemas added.