Govt. plans to vaccinate 50% of population free of charge

19 January 2021 06:33 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Government is planning to vaccinate 50 per cent of the population free of charge when the Covid-19 vaccine is available in the country by the end of February or early March.

Addressing the Cabinet news briefing, Cabinet spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said there had been plans to vaccinate all citizens free of charge and added it was yet to be finalised.

“However, the Government is of the opinion that at least 50 per cent of the population should be vaccinated free of charge and accordingly, we have planned to vaccinate 11 million people in the country,” he said.

“We have already identified to whom the vaccine should be given first. Obviously, the priority should be given to the frontline health and security officials,” the Minister underlined.

He also said that they were in the process of finalising the discussion on vaccination.

"The Government has had talks with four Covid-19 vaccine manufacturers by now," he added.

It was reported that frontline healthcare workers, military personnel, patients with non-communicable diseases over the age of 60 and people between 55 to 59 years of age have been identified as individuals eligible for vaccination.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reportedly agreed to provide about 4.2 million vaccines to Sri Lanka to vaccinate about 20 per cent of Sri Lanka's population.

Sri Lanka is likely to receive Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine through COVAX. (Sheain Fernandopulle)

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Comments - 12

RoarringCreel Tuesday, 19 January 2021 06:54 PM

This shows the state of the economy and the governments ethics. In all the countries that vacations are carried out it is free of charge for all citizens. If I can decided on the vaccine brand I do not mind paying for it.

Eichmann Bernhard (Germany) Tuesday, 19 January 2021 06:55 PM

Why 50% free? In Germany, vaccination is free of charge for all citizens.

Sam Silva Tuesday, 19 January 2021 06:56 PM

Are you planning to charge the remaining 50% ?? However all politicians and political appointees should pay.

RoarringCreek Tuesday, 19 January 2021 06:57 PM

Another foolish statement from a idiot. Even it is so due to the empty government money box (Treasury) he should have kept his mouth shut. This is great fire power for the opposition. Ha Ha Ha!

Buddhist Tuesday, 19 January 2021 07:00 PM

So under Rajapakses-Vyathmaga-Yuthukama-SLPP Govt free healthcare is only for 50% of the population?

das Tuesday, 19 January 2021 08:04 PM

The other 50% will probably have to buy it from govt stooges then

Lal Tuesday, 19 January 2021 08:18 PM

WE ARE DAY DREAMING. YOUR ARE EYE WASHING. POLITICIANS ENJOYING. SOME INNOCENT CITIZENS ARE DYING. LOLO LOLO LOLO

Sri Tuesday, 19 January 2021 08:20 PM

We can and we will pay but please don't import the vaccine from China or India.

Senaka Perera Tuesday, 19 January 2021 08:45 PM

The 226 hangers on backside kissers corrupt monks rich drug dealers connected to Govt = 50%. Good luck to the balance. You are on your own with the Virus

Chrishantha Perera Tuesday, 19 January 2021 09:53 PM

50% free for elders ?

Kevin Tuesday, 19 January 2021 10:21 PM

Guys.. don't dream..so far no proper vaccine was found. If so why so many covid 19 deaths in US and Europe.

Raj Tuesday, 19 January 2021 10:37 PM

This is how one country gives priority in vaccinating its entire population free of charge. 1 Residents in a care home for older adults and staff working in care homes for older adults 2 All those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers 3 All those 75 years of age and over 4 All those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals (not including pregnant women and those under 16 years of age) 5 All those 65 years of age and over 6 Adults aged 16 to 65 years in an at-risk group (see below) 7 All those 60 years of age and over 8 All those 55 years of age and over 9 All those 50 years of age and over 10 Rest of the population (to be determined)

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Govt. plans to vaccinate 50% of population free of charge

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