Regulator approves Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use in Sri Lanka
By Chanka Jayasinghe |
Friday January 22, 2021
12:35
COVID-19 Vaccine
ECONOMYNEXT – The National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) has authorised the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine for emergency use in Sri Lanka, State Minister Channa Jayasumana told reporters today.
“We believe we will be able to provide it in a few days in Sri Lanka. This is the first time we have given approval for a COVID-19 vaccine in the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, State Minister Sudarshani Fernandopulle said the vaccine will be imported to Sri Lanka by mid-February.
“We will get 20 percent of the population covered by the Covax facility. For another 30 percent of the population, the government shall purchase a vaccine. Our intention is to cover at least 50 percent of the population,” she said. (Colombo/Jan22/2021)