Talks with Indonesia underway to get 600,000 vials of AstraZeneca vaccine for second dose: Jayasumana

While claiming that the Government is into every effort to provide the second dose with the same vaccine for those who were inoculated with the AstraZeneca vaccine to shield against COVID-19, State Health Minister Channa Jayasumana said today that the government is in discussion with Indonesia and several other countries to get down the 600,000 doses of the Astrazeneca vaccine for the purpose of giving as the second dose.

He told Parliament that they were optimistic about receiving a positive response for their request.

In his reply speech during the adjournment debate moved by the opposition about the pandemic situation in the country caused by the third wave, he said 139,786 citizens have been given the second jab using AstraZeneca vaccine so far.

While refuting claims about the shortage of oxygen required to treat COVID patients, the State Minister said there was a shortage of oxygen cylinders and said steps are being taken to provide liquid oxygen as an alternative.

"We have provided liquid oxygen tanks to 28 Hospitals. Steps have been taken to provide oxygen tanks to 12 more hospitals within the next couple of weeks,” he said.

The Minister also said the government has had discussions with Singapore to get down liquid oxygen, if required.(Ajith Siriwardana and Yohan Perera)