Prime Minister Imran Khan has approved a proposal for making advance booking of emerging COVID-19 vaccines for 10 million people. According to sources, the Prime Minister approved a budget of USD 150 million for procurement of the vaccine on Tuesday.
Parliamentary Secretary for Health Dr Nausheen Hamid told a local news channel that Pakistan has contacted two pharmaceutical companies for advance booking of COVID-19 vaccine. She said vaccine will initially be bought for 10 million people, adding that “health workers who are in the front line, and people above 65 years old will be given priority.”
Pakistan plans to buy vaccine for USD 220 million during the second phase of procurement.
Although, Health Secretary did not mention the two companies that have been contacted for advanced booking name, Pfizer – which announced that its vaccine has a 90 percent success rate – already has a presence in Pakistan.
