La Nación / “Important batch” of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine is awaited

“We continue to insist in all areas in order to be able to obtain in a timely manner and as soon as possible the largest amount of doses that we can have in the country,” said the Minister of Health, Julio Borba, to the press on Thursday, when asked about the progress of the negotiations with different vaccines against COVID-19.

Regarding the Russian Sputnik V vaccine, Borba pointed out that confirmation of the date for the next provision is expected during the week, where the Public Health portfolio will be in charge of the logistics to bring the doses. According to unofficial information, the minister said: “It would be an important lot.” So far, a first batch of 4 thousand doses has arrived, of a million that were acquired.

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The doctor pointed out that they are “looking at all the options in the world”, and mentioned that negotiations are advancing to acquire 2 million AstraZeneca vaccines (outside the Covax mechanism) and another 2 million of the Indian Covaxin vaccine. In addition, he confirmed that this Sunday afternoon the next batch of vaccines will be received, which is a donation from India.

He also mentioned that talks began with the American pharmaceutical company Pfizer, and that this afternoon he has a virtual meeting in communication with Belgium to talk with representatives of Moderna’s laboratory.

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“We are open to any type of proposal, we need vaccines,” said Borba, explaining that multinational vaccine companies have priority with the States, and not yet with commercial companies. Likewise, he affirmed that Public Health has the resources to cover all these negotiations for vaccines.

At another time, he said that they are contemplating a public-private alliance to access ultrafreezers that local companies have, while Health carries out the process for equipment. Regarding the vaccination of health personnel, it is planned to conclude this stage for Monday or Tuesday, which will cover 90% of the 50 thousand registered.

Regarding other drugs, the Health Minister pointed out that there is a promise from pharmaceutical companies to provide the two most requested drugs in therapy, atracurium and midazolam, within 15 days. In addition, it is expected to sign contracts to advance oncological drugs, at the same time that a lot is brought from abroad.

Asked about the military detachments set up as contingency hospitals, which are already prepared for their use, he stated: “We hope that they do not need to be used.” He stressed that they are prioritizing the expansion of medical centers, and that this afternoon a pavilion will be set up in the National Hospital of Itauguá, which will have 16 intensive therapy beds (ICU), 8 intermediate therapy beds and common rooms.

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