Bhutan Kuen-Nyam Party (BKP) holds the government responsible for failing to prevent the community transmission of the COVID-19 in the country and lacking a Roll-out Plan for Mass Vaccination. The party issued the Press Release on 3rd January 2021.
According to the party, community transmission could have been prevented if outbound travellers from Thimphu were tested.
The current practice of allowing travel to other districts by simply registering vehicles and passengers without a test failed to prevent the transmission.
The party also pointed out that with neighbouring countries like Bangladesh, India, and Nepal speeding up vaccine procurement and vaccination processes, Bhutan, on the other hand, has failed to detail out the master plan to procure and roll out vaccines.
”With 15 vaccine companies having already completed the third trial, the government has failed to inform the Bhutanese citizens about any diplomatic notes sent to countries or companies to procure the vaccine on time,’’ the Release stated.
The party also stated that the government must shift to higher gears to the realisation of the party’s first-order pledge of improving the country’s health system and ensuring the safety of Bhutanese from the pandemic.
The party, on behalf of the citizens, also sought answers to whether the government has formalised any agreements placing advance purchase orders of vaccines. it also asked the government about the kind of facilities being developed for the vaccine storage and distribution, and training for health personnel for the mass vaccination roll-out, among others.
However, Foreign Minister, Dr Tandi Dorji in a telephone interview said, ”everything is on the right track.’’
”Since May last year, the government through Bhutanese Embassies has been closely working with five major vaccine manufacturing countries,’’ the minister added. The minister also said the health ministry has even developed a COVID deployment plan and COVID vaccine program for vaccine roll out as soon as Bhutan acquires the vaccine.
Sonam Pem
