ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Health Dr Faisal Sultan on Tuesday said that the government has signed deals to purchase 30 million doses of coronavirus vaccine dose.
While addressing a press conference, Sultan said that misinformation was circulating about the government’s plan regarding the purchase of vaccines.
He said that the government has signed contracts with three vaccine companies to secure supplies of the COVID-19 vaccination shots.
“Pakistan has purchased 3 million vaccine doses since March 30 and deals for 30 million vaccines doses have been finalised, while 1.7 million doses of the vaccine were donated by China,” he clarified.
“To say that the government is waiting to receive vaccines as gifts is incorrect,” said Dr Sultan.
The SAPM explained that there was a delay in the vaccine’s arrival to the country because of supply shortages across the world.
“Many countries were not able to get vaccines despite advance booking,” explained Dr Sultan, giving examples of Canada and Australia.
He added that the government was also yet to receive vaccines from global alliance COVAX due to supply chain issues.
Pakistan Armed Forces are assisting the administration with the implementation of SOPs, he said.
Faisal also warned of the imposition of lockdown in the cities, where COVID-related SOPs are being violated.
Dr Sultan also shared that 1,200 vaccination centres have been established all over Pakistan and 2 million people have been inoculated so far.
The Special Assistant also urged people to take care of SOPs and social distance.
