ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved funds for the advance purchase of the COVID-19 vaccine.
According to a statement by the Ministry of National Health Services Regulation, the prime minister has shown special interest in ensuring quality vaccines at the earliest and has approved specific funding.
The health ministry said the government has developed a COVID-19 vaccine strategy in response to global best practices and prioritized the groups most likely to be the initial recipients of a potential vaccine.
It said an expert committee on the COVID-19 vaccine has been working on technical oversight and review of safety and efficacy data coming in from trials.
Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan has confirmed that prime minister has approved funds to purchase the possible vaccines of COVID-19 in advance.
While speaking to a private news channel, Dr Sultan said that the prime minister is keen on ensuring the widespread availability of effective Coronavirus vaccines as soon as possible.
The funds were approved after the health written a letter to the prime minister seeking permission for advance purchase of coronavirus vaccine
Earlier this month, it was learned that the health ministry had recommended purchases of potential coronavirus vaccines under last-stage trials and allocation of $100 million funds for around 10 million citizens. In its first phase, the vaccines will be made available for elderly citizens and health workers.
