Bangladesh may receive next batch of Sinopharm in June-July: health minister

Health Minister Zahid Maleque today said China may send the next batch of Covid-19 vaccine in June or July.

The minister said this while addressing a programme at the State Guest House Padma before receiving the five lakh doses of Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine from Chinese Ambassador Li Jiming.

The vaccines that China supplied to Bangladesh as gift arrived here in the morning.

"We thank Chinese President and the country's citizens for standing beside us during this critical time," the minister said.

"We will be able to inoculate 2.5 lakh people with these vaccines…. We are trying to bring more vaccines," he said.

The Bangladesh government has discussed the issue with the Chinese ambassador for bringing more vaccines and he informed that China is actively considering it, Maleque said.

"I have requested China to supply the vaccines in phases every month so that we can continue the vaccination programme," he added.

The ambassador assured that they will try their best, the health minister said.

The ambassador said China will try to supply the next consignment of vaccine next month or in July.