-Says Pfizer will be administered to Hajj pilgrims, work visa holders
-Claims govt working to extend Vaccination Centers to 4,000
-NCOC expresses concerns over downtrend on non-compliance of SOPs
-COVID kills 92, infects 2,028 in 24 hours
By Uzma Zafar
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has spent nearly a quarter of a billion dollars for the procurement of the coronavirus vaccine, NCOC head Asad Umar said in a tweet on Thursday.
“The acceleration of vaccination drive in the country is made possible by the huge investment by the federal government,” he wrote, adding that the government will be spent next year on the procurement of vaccines.
Besides, Mr. Umar said that the Pfizer vaccine is available in limited amount that is why it will be administered to Hajj pilgrims and work visa holders.
Talking to media in Islamabad on Thursday, Asad Umar said that it was not possible to remove restrictions without vaccination. The government’s target is to increase the number of centers to 4,000.
The federal minister further said that the countries asking for the preferred vaccine should reconsider their decision. China is currently the largest exporter of the corona vaccine.
Asad Umar further added that the business activities were badly affected due to coronavirus. The government wants to end restrictions which is only possible if the vaccination drive is further accelerated.
“The citizens of Islamabad are at the forefront of getting the corona vaccine. The registration for the vaccination has increased in the country. People should get the vaccination administered as per doctors’ recommendations,” he concluded.
Earlier in the day, NCOC session chaired by Mr. Umar was held. The forum reviewed the implementation of SOPs across the country.
In a statement the forum said it expressed concerns over down trend on non compliance of SOPs . The Forum decided to take all possible steps to ensure implementation of SOPs alongwith pursuing the mass vaccination campaign.
All federating units have been directed to check the growing trend of non implementation of SOPs to mitigate the possible spread of disease in the country, the statement added.
On Wednesday, a special meeting of the NCOC was held. Umar thanked “the business leadership” for their willingness to participate in the vaccination drive to help the government accelerate the vaccination campaign & open up the economy.
Pakistan began administering the coronavirus vaccine to everyone aged 19 or older. The country had faced vaccination hesitancy and shortage of supply but it has now secured above 18 million doses, including donations and purchases from China and allocations from the World Health Organisation.
Registration for all adults opened on May 26. People can register by sending their CNIC number to 1166.
Pakistan has reported more than 926,695 coronavirus infections and over 21,000 deaths. On Thursday, the country reported 2,028 cases and 92 deaths in the last 24 hours.
