By Ajita Rijal
Kathmandu, Aug. 3: Minister of State for Health and Population Umesh Shrestha has said that the import of over around 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine by mid-September has been confirmed, whereas another 30 million doses is currently under procurement process.
Minister Shrestha said so while unveiling his 100-day plan during a press meet organised at the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) today.
Noting that over 6.2 million doses of vaccines have been administered to people as of Sunday, including over 2 million people fully vaccinated, he assured the public that the new government was committed to provide vaccine to all.
State minister Shrestha said that an arrangement has been made for the procurement, storage and smooth distribution of COVID vaccines as it is the topmost priority to protect people’s lives.
Of the planned 20 million doses, process is underway to purchase 6 million doses of Pfizer vaccine, targeting the children, the statement by the Minister read.
Meanwhile, for foreign travel purpose, provision has been made to distribute vaccine certificates from all government hospitals and distribution centers will be added as per need, read one of the 23 points of the action plan. Further a ‘Nepal Mask week’ is planned to be celebrated from August 7 to 13 in order to distribute the existing stock of masks at the Ministry which were received from donors, friendly countries and non-governmental organisations, to the citizens in coordination with the local governments and health related organisations.
Likewise, State Minister Shrestha announced that for the purpose of monitoring and supervision of COVID-19 Command Hospital in each of the seven provinces, an 11th level senior official will be deployed to all the provinces.
Meanwhile, considering the potential COVID-19 third wave risk, holding centers will be established along the southern border with neighboring India. After COVID-19 testing of the returnees, the infected people will be kept in isolation and taken for treatment. For those not infected, arrangements will be made to safely transport them to their destinations.
On the occasion, State Minister Shrestha announced that he would not take any government salaries or facilities except the security services, during his tenure as minister. He further informed that, upon assuming the office of the State Minister, he had decided to separate himself from all of his personal professional engagements and that he had already legally separated himself from any executive positions in the businesses he is associated with. “I will not be involved in any business with conflict of interest while I’m in office.
"I announce that except for the security services, I will not take any facilities given by the government as a Minister of State, like transport, accommodation, salary, allowances and perks," he said while unveiling the commitments in principle and an action plan related to the public health and the prevention and control of ongoing COVID-19.