Govt wants to get effective Covid-19 vaccine at right time: Health minister

Health Minister ZahidMaleque said on Wednesday the government is working to procure the most effective Covid-19 vaccine at right time for the people, reports UNB.

"Many countries are working on coronavirus vaccine. Nine companies are in the final stage of trial. The government is in constant touch with at least five of them," he said.

Maleque said once any country introduces a vaccine, the government will do all it can to procure it.

"Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given all sorts of instructions in this regard," he said.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration ceremony of modernisation and quality medical services and educational extension work of Dhaka Medical College Hospital in "Mujib Year 2020" - the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Regarding the second wave of coronavirus, the minister said people all over the world are ignoring the virus. As a result, many countries have already been hit by a second wave.

"We cannot ignore the chance of a second wave, he said. "We're taking preparations to face it."

"Our health sector has already shown capability in dealing with coronavirus. It is ready to deal with the second wave," said the minister.