ISLAMABAD: The coronavirus vaccine will be available in Pakistan in February or March next year.
The news was once again confirmed by Special Assistant to Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr. Faisal Sultan. He said that that the coronavirus vaccine would be free for all citizens.
Dr. Faisal Sultan also warned that COVID-19 is rapidly spreading in the densely populated areas of Pakistan and the positivity ratio in Karachi is highest. The coronavirus can only be controlled by sticking to SOPs until the availability of the vaccine, he maintained.
Yesterday, Dr. Faisal Sultan had confirmed that the vaccine to be obtained by the government would be procured keeping in view its safety, efficacy, and effectiveness. Dr. Sultan further said that while $150m has been approved for vaccine procurement, the authorities will request the government to approve more funds if required.
Read more: Second coronavirus wave begins in Pakistan: SAPM Faisal Sultan
The federal cabinet was also requested to constitute a committee comprising four or five members to oversee the procurement of the vaccine in order to ensure transparency, he added.
The SAPM informed that the price of remdesivir, a drug used to treat coronavirus patients, has also been dropped. Govt has fixed price up to Rs 5000 for a remdesivir injection he added.
