KATHMANDU: The government of Nepal has paved the way for the purchase of 2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine (Covishield) from Serum Institute of India. Minister for Health and Population Hridayesh Tripathi said that the vaccine will reach Nepal in the last week of February or the first week of March.
Three weeks ago, the government and the Serum Institute of India agreed to buy 2 million vaccines. According to Minister Tripathi, Serum had agreed to provide vaccine at four dollars per dose.
Serum argued that the vaccine would be given only after all the money was paid. “Because of Nepal’s Public Procurement Act, the cabinet has paved the way for that to happen,” said Minister Tripathi. The vaccine will come after paying the remaining amount.
The government has repeatedly reiterated that the citizens above the age of 55 will be vaccinated with high priority.
The ministry is preparing to implement the next phase of vaccination from 25 February.
Previously, the Government of India has provided Nepal 1 million doses of Covishield vaccine free of charge. With the vaccine, the government has launched a nationwide campaign to vaccinate the frontline workers as health workers, people engaged in sanitation jobs etc.
Recently, Nepali journalists have received the jab.
