Yet to Sign Purchasing Agreement for Sputnik Vaccine: Naseem

Minister of Health Ahmed Naseem revealed that the purchasing agreement for Russia's Sputnik vaccine is yet to be signed.

In response to a question from Dhiyares, the minister stated that discussions in relation to signing the agreement were taking place. Minister Naseem was awaiting updates from the discussion led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. When asked for an update, the Director of Communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Miuvan Mohamed directed to seek clarifications at the Health Emergency Operations Center (HEOC) or the Ministry of Health.

However, the Foreign Ministry will inform the media of future updates on the vaccine, said Miuvan. He reiterated that the ministry had no further comments at the moment.

Minister Naseem claimed that according to current information the Astrazeneca vaccines will arrive between July 12 and July 20, but is unsure when the vaccines from the Serum Institute of India will arrive.

Previously, the government arranged for the administration of several vaccines. However, the exhaustion of Covishield vaccines after many received the first dose, and await the second dose caused concern.