The government has approved a $130 million grant (Rs20 billion) to purchase 10 million doses of Covid-19 vaccine before June 30.
According to an official statement, the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) of the Cabinet was specially called on Monday to provide technical supplementary grant to the National Disaster Management Fund to ensure timely procurement of vaccines for effective national response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The hurriedly-called ECC meeting was presided over by Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin and attended by three of 14 members.
The meeting was informed that the country was currently managing the third wave of Covid-19, which was more challenging than the previous waves.
The meeting also decided to review the need for additional funds during the coming financial year and make further allocations if required in the budget.
Meanwhile, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar said the government aimed to vaccinate the maximum number of people before Eid-ul-Azha to avoid clamping lockdown.
He also announced the decision to start vaccination of above 18 years.
In a tweet, Umar, who also heads the NCOC, said: “In today’s NCOC meeting it was decided to start scheduling vaccination of registered 18 plus from Thursday the 3rd of June. With this step the vaccination of all eligible age groups would be carried out. Please register as soon as possible.”
