[ad_1]
The Minister of Public Health of the interim government, Hamad Hassan, announced, in an interview with The Independent Arabia, that “two weeks ago the National Committee for the Management of Corona Vaccines was formed, and the priority tasks assigned to it were set a timetable for determining the distribution of the vaccine to target groups, especially the most vulnerable. To the epidemic, such as workers in the health sector, the elderly and those with chronic diseases and others ”.
He said: “We have reserved with the American company Pfizer about two million vaccines that will be distributed free of charge to these target groups within the plan that is being discussed with the company and the corresponding ministerial committee in order to develop a safe, effective program. and fluid to maintain the effectiveness of the vaccine during the process of “transport and preservation” to reach the citizens, which The vaccination of 30 percent of the Lebanese community is guaranteed and its price will be determined according to the law specified in the Ministry of Public Health.
The Minister of Health indicated that he is working to cover the cost of the contract with “Pfizer” and “Kovacs” led by the World Health Organization, through the Lebanese government, with funding from the budget of the Ministry of Health, general budget reserve, donations from some public administrations and a loan from the World Bank, after agreement. This was during a meeting held in the government palace. He explained that according to the agreement, the vaccine must be delivered within eight weeks of formalizing the definitive contract and paying the first installment from its date, it is expected to arrive in the first quarter of 2021, and the most recent possibility is at the end of February.
Regarding whether the vaccine was optional or mandatory, the Minister of Health indicated that “the Chief of Preventive Medicine had organized an electronic questionnaire to probe the opinion of Lebanese citizens about their desire to carry out the vaccine for free or through the private sector , thus providing an opportunity for the latter to acquire it ”, highlighting that he sought to insure the vaccine at” the best prices “, above all because he held conversations and signed in advance,” which was a positive factor to reserve the vaccine and ensure better prices and avoid their monopoly in any circumstance. “
He announced a direct agreement with the Banque du Liban and “Pfizer”, while ensuring that “there is no third party in the agreement that reduces the figures and profit rates that can increase the price of their import.”
Hassan confirmed that he would facilitate the registration and importation of any vaccine approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and other organizations of the United States. UN health “to promote more comprehensive community coverage of the Corona epidemic.”
Source: National News Agency
[ad_2]
