Private firms allowed to import COVID-19 vaccine, Pakistani health ministry says

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistani Ministry of National Health Services, Regulations and Coordination has said the government has given permission to private sector firms to purchase and import the coronavirus vaccine, opening the possibility that people who could afford it would be able to buy the vaccine before a government rollout. 
“Private sector has also been given permission by government to cater for that segment of society which can afford,” a statement from the health ministry quoted by the local Express Tribune newspaper said. 
“Negotiations under a confidential declaration agreement, with vaccine manufacturers are in final stages, who are undergoing phase III trials, are publishing their efficacy data and are in process of getting emergency authorisation approvals from respective regulators,” the ministry’s statement added. 
Media reported on Sunday that Pakistan had increased its funds allocation for purchasing COVID-19 vaccines amid a surge in the coronavirus. 
Dr. Nausheen Hamid, parliamentary secretary for National Health Services, said the budget for the vaccines had been enhanced to $250 million. Earlier, the government had set aside $150 million. 
Pakistan recorded 2,362 new cases of the virus and 36 new deaths on Monday. 
A surge in the virus comes amid massive disregard by people for precautionary measures despite constant warnings by the authorities.