By Keshab Raj Paudel, Kathmandu, Dec 30: The government of Nepal has written to all the companies whose anti-COVID vaccines have passed through the third phase of the trial to supply the vaccines.

Dr. Jhalak Prasad Sharma, Chief of Vaccine Division under the Ministry of Health and Population, said that some of the companies had responded to the government letters for the supply of the vaccines.

"We have communicated with the companies and our discussions are focused on bringing in the vaccines along with the permission of COVAX," said Dr. Sharma.

He said that first priority was given to the vaccines that can be stored within 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and that diplomatic initiative was made for the same.

"In addition to writing to the companies, the diplomatic initiative has also been made with the concerned country," he said, "We are maintaining necessary trustworthiness with the concerned companies, and we are effortful in ensuring that our country gets vaccines in time and the one that is supported by a cold chain of our country."

He declined to share about the concrete progress of discussion with any of the vaccine producing companies, but said, "We are in communication with all companies and we are making efforts to import the vaccine that is suitable for Nepal as soon as possible."  

He said if the government is able to import the COVID vaccine that can be stored in 2-8 degree Celsius, about 3 percent of the population will be immunized in the first phase.

He said preparations related to COVID vaccine supply, store, and immunization including the cold chain was going on in all the seven provinces.

The cost for management of the COVID vaccine is estimated to be Rs. 48 billion and the government is taking steps to allocate the needful budget, according to him.