Cabinet Spokesperson Melford Nicholas has put all local medical practioners on notice regarding the purchasing and administering of any covid vaccine in the country.
Nicholas, who is also the Information Minister in Antigua and Barbuda, was speaking at the Post Cabinet Press Briefing on Thursday morning when he indicated that a license will be needed by any local medical official.
Nicholas made the revelation after government was made aware that some local practioners were in fact, making provisions to acquire covid vaccines.
“We have learnt that there are a few practioners who are trying to get ahead of the curve with regards to the vaccines. The Cabinet looked at this position and to be on the safe side those medical practioners will require a license from the Ministry of Health and the requisite authorities to be able to import and use those vaccines,” Nicholas said.
He explained that the government is looking at the safety and best interest of the general population.
“We would not want a situation where there is perhaps maybe more consideration commerical aspects to the vaccines and then introduce any other condition that may be unsafe. We want to be able to ensure that the vaccines which will come into use through the government services are private partners who would satisfy the safety requirements for all concerned”, Nicholas concluded.
Regarding the acquisition of a vaccines for Antigua and Barbuda through the PAHO/WHO COVACS arrangement is still “several months away”.
Nicholas indicated that if this porcess does become longwinded that another alternative will have to be looked at.
