Bhutan received 121,900 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine from Denmark yesterday. The country committed 250,000 doses to Bhutan. The remaining doses are expected to arrive next week.
A Druk Air flight from Bangkok brought in the AstraZeneca vaccines. Along with the consignment, it carried the testimony of goodwill between Denmark and Bhutan.
Foreign Minister Dr Tandi Dorji received the vaccines.
The Tsugla Lopon of the central monastic body administered the cleansing ceremony.
As the vaccines were delivered to Bhutan, the Danish Ambassador to Bhutan tweeted that in this important step towards the global vaccination drive, Denmark stands with Bhutan in this fight against the pandemic.
Meanwhile, in a Press Release, the Prime Minister, Dr Lotay Tshering, thanked the international community for helping Bhutan with the vaccines. Lyonchhen said now that the country secured enough vaccines to administer the second dose for people above the age of 18 years, Bhutan informed the international community of the vaccine sufficiency for now. This is to ensure that other countries are not deprived of an equal share of vaccines.
As per the Press Release, to fast-track vaccine distribution, walk-in coolers and freezers have been procured and installed across the country with support from the Asian Development Bank. The distribution of vaccines to roll out the second nationwide vaccination programme is expected to begin from Thursday.
Namgay Wangchuk, Paro
