Prompt decision reduced vaccine buying cost

Health Minister Zahid Maleque has said Bangladesh will be able to buy the Covid-19 vaccine at a lower cost compared to many other countries due to the government's prompt decisions in this regard.

The minister was talking to reporters at his farmhouse in Manikganj's Garpara area yesterday afternoon.

"An order for procuring vaccine for nearly six crore people has been confirmed. More orders will be placed," he said.

The minister said Oxford's vaccine would be available for a maximum cost of $5 a dose. "The World Health Organization is expected to grant approval for the vaccine very soon. It has less side effects. We will have three crore doses of the Oxford vaccine."

The first consignment of 50 lakh doses would reach the country within this month, Zahid said.

A committee, led by the prime minister's principal secretary, has been formed to make a list of people who would be vaccinated after the arrival of the first consignment, he added.

However, everyone would have to continue wearing mask and following health safety guidelines even after being vaccinated, the minister said.