As Bhutan keeps in constant touch with vaccine manufacturing countries around the world, her hope for the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine is quite high and assuring. Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said Bhutan has discussed in length, regarding the vaccine and readied all documents with the Serum Institute in India.
According to the Indian media reports, Serum Institute, the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer, will produce one billion doses of the vaccine for developing nations. As India is yet to administer the vaccination programme, the prime minister said Bhutan hopes to receive the vaccine soon.
And Bhutan would require at least one million doses of the vaccine for the entire population. However, if it does not secure the required quantity, the prime minister said vaccination will be carried out based on a priority basis.
”The first priority is the frontline workers which include health workers, DeSuups, police, and army personnel among others. It will also include those with underlying health conditions and senior citizens. All of them make some 80,000 people,” Lyonchhen added.
If Bhutan receives more doses, the prime minister said that they will vaccinate the active population which includes business people and drivers.
To this effect, the government has made ready all policies such as procurement and distribution guidelines, and regulations to monitor the risks of the vaccine.
While the country is on the right track towards procuring and distribution of the vaccines, the prime minister said putting all hopes on the vaccine is not enough. He added, ”uncertainties surrounding the vaccines such as how long it would last and the number of doses is quite worrying.’’
Meanwhile, the health ministry also submitted a vaccine request to the ‘COVAX Facility’ on 7th December last month.
COVAX Facility is a global initiative that brings together governments and manufacturers to ensure equitable access to vaccine supply, irrespective of the economic status of the countries.
Likewise, once any vaccine completes clinical trials and is proven safe and effective, the member countries are expected to receive enough doses to vaccinate around 20 percent of their population.
Sonam Pem
