Bangladesh, India will pay same price for AstraZeneca vaccine, Papon says
Sunday, 24 January 2021
Bangladesh and India will pay the same price in procuring the COVID-19 vaccine, developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, from Serum Institute of India, Managing Director of Beximco Pharmaceuticals Ltd Nazmul Hassan Papon has said.
He gave the information while addressing a press conference at his residence in Gulshan area of Dhaka on Sunday evening, reports UNB.
“At the moment, we can’t say for sure how much it’ll cost but it should be within $3 to $4,” he said.
“If India is paying $4 [for each dose], Bangladesh won’t pay more than $4,” he added.
The first consignment of five million doses from Serum Institute will reach Dhaka around 11:30 am on Monday, Papon said.
“According to our deal, the doses will be taken straight to our warehouse from the airport. These will be sent out to all districts after necessary tests,” he said.
Bangladesh signed an agreement with Serum Institute last month for procuring the COVID-19 vaccine. Under the deal, Bangladesh will import 30 million doses of Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, five million each month, from Serum in the next six months.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the vaccination drive on January 27 at Kurmitola Hospital. A nurse will receive the jab there.
Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Sunday said the national committee which will decide how the vaccination campaign will be carried out. They have completed their preparations.
The government has a list of everyone who will be vaccinated, he said, adding that permission has been given for antibody tests.