Private firms must buy COVID19vaccine via Health Ministry

“Private firms that want to buy the COVID-19-vaccine for their employees must contact the Health Ministry first,” said Health Minister Amar Ramadhin who added that the purchase of the vaccine must take place according to certain protocols and that a permit is also needed. The minister pointed out that he understands why some firms want to take the initiative by purchasing the

COVID-19-vaccine. But he explained that the firms must refrain from doing this on their own. “Vaccines are normally bought by the government. There are international rules for that. Countries must stick to certain protocols. There is a special purchase procedure and there must be special storage facilities. Everything happens via the government. It is not safe for firms to import it independently. The firms lack the expertise. The experts at the Public Health Bureau (BOG), the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have the expertise,” said the minister who added that the ministry is willing to talk to firms who want to buy the vaccine for their employees. These firms must either contact the Health ministry or the PAHO. The health workers and the risk groups will be given priority. Once the COVID-19-vaccination campaign starts, one hundred and forty thousand people will be vaccinated. Health Minister Ramadhin pointed out that there are already fake COVID19-vaccines in several countries. This is also one of the reasons why the vaccine must be purchased via the ministry.