ISLAMABAD: Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services Dr Faisal Sultan has informed that Pakistan would procure COVID-19 vaccine on the basis of transparent scientific data about its efficacy and safety.
“Six major international pharmaceutical companies are at the forefront of developing the coronavirus vaccine,” he said, while talking to a private news channel today (Friday).
However, he said, the company that will present scientific research data in a transparent manner will be approached to purchase the vaccine. The PM’s aide further said that no compromise will be made on the quality of the vaccine.
“Providing low cost and quality vaccine to the people is a government’s target but at the same time ensuring its safety is equally important,” he added.
In December, the health ministry had allowed the private sector to purchase the coronavirus vaccine. The UK, US, China and Russia are currently involved in vaccine manufacturing, with Pfizer and Russia’s Sputnik vaccine being already administered to selected groups of people.
Dr Faisal had said earlier that they were negotiating with China and Russia, among others, to procure coronavirus vaccines. “We are in talks with China, Russia and some other countries for procurement of the [Covid-19] vaccine,” he added.
