Prime Minister Imran Khan has called upon the federal cabinet today to discuss the prices for COVID-19 vaccines. According to reports, a 14-point agenda was discussed in the meeting. A reviewed notification of updated rates for medicines is reportedly said to be finalized in the meeting as well.
Earlier on Monday, Federal Minister for Planning and Development and the head of National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), Asad Umar, revealed that the ministry had finalized its recommendations for the procurement of a corona vaccine.
NCOC today finalized its recommendations for procurement of covid vaccine. These will be presented to the cabinet tomorrow for approval. The taskforce of experts headed by SAPM health Dr. Faisal Sultan had developed the recommendations which were discussed and finalized today
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) November 30, 2020
The government is likely to contact the Asian Development Bank, UNICEF, and World Bank for funding the bulk-buying of the vaccine. The health ministry will approach the donors through the Economic Affairs Division.
The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) had earlier approved a grant worth $150 million for the advance purchase of the vaccine.
According to reports, future policy changes related to ending diplomatic ties with France will be the other highlight of the meeting. Representatives of the foreign affairs ministry will present their recommendations at the federal cabinet meeting as the High Court issued directives to finalize Islamabad’s relationship with Paris.
