The private sector can only charge 10 percent extra while providing the vaccination service. This will make COVID-19 vaccine to cost around Rs 2,200 per dose.

KATHMANDU, Mar 1: The government has decided to include the private sector in the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive.

According to the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP), the private sector is now allowed to administer the COVID-19 vaccine. However, the private sector won’t be inoculating the vaccine free of cost. “We are now collaborating with private sectors as well,” said Laxman Aryal, secretary at the MoHP.

According to Dr Shyamraj Upretry, Coordinator of COVID-19 Vaccination Management Committee, the government took the decision to this effect three weeks ago. “However, it can take four to five months to implement this decision,” he added.

The government is preparing to administer the vaccine with the help of the private sector to those who do not fall under the targeted group but require to be vaccinated.

In order to participate in the COVID-19 vaccination drive, the private sectors will have to meet certain processes and criteria set by the government. “They should receive permission from MoHP, the vaccination center must be a registered one, there should be a vaccine storage center and they should be ready to charge the amount fixed by the government for the service,” said Dr Upretry.

The private sectors can only earn 10 percent profit while providing the vaccination service. This will make COVID-19 vaccine to cost around Rs 2,200 per dose.

 
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