Pakistan's Covid vaccine to be given 'free of charge'

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Islamabad, Pakistan - The government will soon be able to reveal the date of availability of the vaccine.

By APP

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Published: Fri 18 Dec 2020, 12:42 AM

Last updated: Fri 18 Dec 2020, 12:44 AM

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination, Dr Faisal Sultan, has made it clear that Covid-19 vaccine will be purchased by the government and that it will be free of charge.

The statement came as fatalities toll from the coronavirus jumped more than 100 for the first time in five months, according to data released by the National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) on Wednesday.


The nationwide death toll soared past a grim milestone of 9,000.

“The government has initiated working on multiple aspects related to purchase of the vaccine in the country,” Dr Sultan said while addressing a media briefing at National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC).


Dr Sultan said the matters being discussed included effective immunisation system, side effects of the vaccine, and ensuring a strong information technology system for the corona vaccine.

He said that the government will soon be able to share information on the date of availability of the Covid-19 vaccine in the country.

He said the vaccine purchase matters had also been discussed with the provinces.

Dr Sultan said that a specific amount has been allocated for the purchase of the vaccine and dispelled the suggestion that the private sector will soon start buying it.

He said that an important meeting was held with all provincial health representatives on Wednesday to formulate a national-level strategy to contain the disease and proper implementation of the corona-related SOPs.

He added the increasing number of cases of Covid-19 is heaping a burden on the health system.He said that deaths from the disease were also being reported across the country.

"We can save precious lives including those of our near and dear ones by taking preventive measures." Dr Faisal said, adding, "Covid-19 is a deadly virus but we can control it just as we did control it by following the SoPs during the first wave."


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