Tk 46.84bn allocated to combat COVID-19 pandemic, action will follow any complaint: health minister

The government is committed to ensure transparency and accountability, the health minister says

At least Tk 46.84 billion has been allocated for the import and purchase of various equipment, including vaccines, since the 2020-21 fiscal year to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Husain has told parliament.

He shared the information in response to a question raised by the BNP MP from Feni-2, Joynal Abdin, in parliament on Tuesday.

Joynal asked how much money the government has allocated and spent on the import and purchase of various coronavirus equipment, including vaccines, during the coronavirus pandemic, and whether there had been any irregularities and corruption in the import of vaccines.

In response, the health minister said: "The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has allocated Tk 46.84 billion for the import and purchase of corona equipment, including vaccines, by the government to combat the pandemic during the coronavirus season from 2020-21."

According to the accounts shared in the parliament, Tk 43 billion was spent on the purchase of vaccines from this allocation.

Tk 308.8 million was spent on the purchase of syringes.

The transportation cost to deliver vaccines and syringes to different parts of the country was Tk 195.7 million.

In addition, Tk 9.9 million was spent as syringe shipping charges.

Asked about allegations of irregularities or corruption in the vaccine procurement, the health minister said: "No complaint has been filed with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regarding the vaccine procurement."

However, the government is committed to ensuring transparency and accountability, he said.

The minister said, "If any specific information or complaint is received in this regard, it will be properly reviewed and necessary action will be taken."

Although there have been discussions at different times about vaccine procurement, syringe purchases, nationwide distribution, and related expenses during the COVID-19 pandemic, the government presented a detailed picture of the allocation and expenditure in this sector in parliament for the first time during Tuesday's question and answer session.