Hemas Pharmaceuticals has initiated talks between the Health Ministry and Pfizer and Astrazeneca to secure a vaccine for COVID-19.
The private company, which is the agent for Pfizer and Astrazeneca in Sri Lanka, has also offered to handle the logistical arrangements to obtain the vaccine.
According to the Daily Mirror, Managing Director of Hemas Pharmaceuticals Jude Fernando said a proposal has been submitted to the Government on the best method to be followed for the supply of the vaccine.
Stating that an agreement will need to be signed for the acquisition of the vaccine, Fernando said upon being signed the rest of the information will be shared between both parties and other factors will then be looked into.
Both parties will be required to discuss and reach an agreement on various matters, including the price of the vaccine, quantity and date of supply.
Jude Fernando further said the Government will take a decision on the company it is willing to commence discussions with in order to obtain a coronavirus vaccine.
Pointing out that Hemas is not authorized to import vaccines as it’s a private organization, the company added that if all goes well it is confident it will be able to supply the vaccine together with the Government to Sri Lanka during the second or third quarter of next year.
The Government is also in discussion with Russia, China, and the World Trade Organization to secure a vaccine for COVID-19. (NewsWire)