Using Pfizer vaccines to start after 13 June: Health Minister
We are signing a contract with Sinopharm to get 1.5 crore vaccines in the next three months, he said
Health Minister Zahid Malek said Pfizer vaccine has arrived in the country and its usage in the vaccination programme will start from 13 June.
The minister was responding to a question from reporters after a discussion on the occasion of 'National Vitamin A Plus Campaign 2021' at Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons in the capital on Monday.
Zahid Malek said people registered under the country's vaccination programme will get the Pfizer vaccine. The vaccine will be given at four vaccination centres designated by the government.
The health minister said using both the Pfizer vaccine and the Sinopharm vaccine would continue. On 13 June, another six lakh Sinopharm vaccines will reach the country. We are signing a contract with Sinopharm to get 1.5 crore vaccines in the next three months.
The minister said Sinovac has also expressed interest to provide vaccines. They also want to make vaccines in Bangladesh as a joint venture. Emergency approval has been granted for the use of the Sinovac vaccine. Negotiations with them are at an early stage. If they can give us here and make it with a local organisation, the opportunity will be given.
Informing that the agreement to get the Russian vaccine is in the draft stage, Zahid Malek said Russia is positive about the vaccine. The deal will be finalised soon.
Regarding the cost per patient of corona treatment, the health minister said the health economics unit of the health ministry has found that those who stay in general beds cost Tk15,000 per day and Tk50,000 in ICUs.