What happened:
On Monday, the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health Dr Faisal Sultan said that Pakistani health authorities are negotiating with China and Russia, to acquire the coronavirus vaccines. While talking to a Turkish news agency, Anadolu Agencycine, Faisal Sultan said “We are in talks with China, Russia and some other countries for procurement of the [COVID-19] vaccine after narrowing down our priority list”. The vaccine will be available in Pakistan sometime between January and March 2021, the government has earmarked an initial sum of $150 million to purchase the Covid-19 vaccines. The vaccine will be administered first to health workers and senior citizens. Russia has already started distribution of its Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine nationwide, while China is testing its vaccines in many countries and deals are being signed for its supply. The health advisor stated that they do not plan to rely only on one source, and the vaccine will be made available only after its efficacy and safety is proven.