Health Minister Zahid Maleque informed that the first dose of Chinese vaccine Sinopharm will be administered from May 25.
The minister announced the date at a press briefing at his secretariat's conference room on Monday.
“Negotiations are going on with Russia, China, the United Kingdom and the United States of America. I will be able to give good news very soon,” he said.
The minister also said that it was necessary to stop long-distance bus, launch and train for more time to stop the spread of Covid-19 infection.
In the context of coronavirus vaccine production in the country, the minister said, an application to the Directorate General of Drug Administration is needed to produce any kind of vaccine locally.
“Applications seeking the regulator’s nod will be scrutinised. But at present, our decision is to purchase vaccine shots, if necessary, we will produce locally. The local pharmaceutical giants, who have the capability of producing vaccines, will have to come forward,” he stated.
“After discussing with the Prime Minister, a decision will be taken in this regard. Efforts to buy vaccines will keep going. It will take a long time to produce. If needed, the country will produce but it will not be possible before five to six months,” he said.
