On Monday, the government has opened vaccine registration for people aged 65 years and above across Pakistan. After healthcare workers been inoculated against coronavirus in Pakistan, now is the turn of people aged 65 years and above.
Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr. Faisal Sultan announced that the second phase registration had started, he took to Twitter and posted, “All Pakistanis above the age of 65 can start registration for Covid-19 vaccine starting today. Send an SMS from any mobile phone with your CNIC to 1166 or visit nims.nadra.gov.pk to get registered. Vaccine centre and date of appointment be communicated once vaccine arrives.”
Similarly, Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Asad Umar, in his tweet, said, “Pleased to announce that registration for getting covid vaccine is now open for all citizens 65 and above across Pakistan. Just write down ur CNIC number and send message on 1166. Inshallah vaccinations for this age group will start in march.”
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) expressed its concern over permitting companies to sell vaccines without placing a price cap. The association said in a statement, “PMA appreciates the federal government’s decision to allow private companies to import coronavirus vaccine, but the decision of excluding the imported vaccines from the strict price cap regime that is typically applied to all drug sales within the country is not fair. It will give free hand to the companies to fix vaccine prices of their own choice and thus the prices will be higher.”
It added, “PMA believes that the vaccine price matter should be dealt as per rules applied to all imported drugs and no price cap exemption should be given to any imported corona vaccine.”
PMA Secretary General Dr Qaisar Sajjad said “The government should start a massive campaign through media to rule out suspicion and fears about the vaccine,” he added that the vaccine, which is presently being administered to healthcare workers, was not recommended for those who were older than 60 years.
