Harmon asks for full details on Sputnik purchases
Opposition Leader Joseph Harmon has asked Health Minister Dr Frank Anthony to release detailed information on Sputnik V shots purchased by Guyana.
In a letter to Anthony, Harmon asked for the provision of information which includes the quantities and batch numbers of the Russian made vaccines that were procured through the United Arab Emirates. He noted that shipping information along with conditions under which vaccines were stored during shipment should also be disclosed.
“You would agree that it is important that Guyanese be assured that their health and safety are not being jeopardised,” Harmon said in the correspondence, while also asking that the procurement process and other related information be provided.
However, in a press statement, ministerial advisor Dr Leslie Ramsammy on Friday noted that the opposition leader who called for the suspension of the use of the Sputnik V shots is guilty of hypocrisy. Ramsammy added that Harmon, who took both doses of the vaccine, would also have the information that he is requesting.
“His blue book not only confirms he took the vaccine, it states categorically what batch number is associated with his vaccine and the date of manufacture etc. He has all the information he needs,” Ramsammy said in the statement.
In response to Harmon’s call for the suspension of the use of Sputnik, the advisor noted that it is not just hypocritical for Harmon to make such a demand, it is also irresponsible and reckless.
The statement added that while over 227,000 persons have been inoculated with their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, over 150,000 persons were administered Sputnik. While almost 100,000 persons have received both doses, approximately 61,000 of those persons were administered the said Sputnik V shot.
Ramsammy went on to note that of those persons who had received their first dose, only a handful have tested positive for the virus even as there have been no cases were persons who are fully inoculated testing positive for COVID-19.
“Every batch of vaccines that are presently used is accompanied by supporting documents, identifying the country of origin, the batch (serial) number, the manufacturer and information about the product. All vials have a bar code that permits tracking directly to factory,” his statement said.