By Keshab Raj Poudel, Kathmandu, Dec. 18:Even though discussions that Nepal cannot rely only on the COVAX facility that is to be provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) have gain momentum, the coordination between government and private sectors to import vaccines against COVID-19 in Nepal is still lagging.

Dr. Jhalak Sharma Gautam, chief of the Immunisation Section of the Department of Health Services, said that the private sectors had not coordinated with the department regarding the import of COVID-19 vaccines.

"It will be beneficial for everyone if the vaccines are brought from both, government and private, channels. However, the private entrepreneurs have not placed proposals regarding the mode and medium of bringing the vaccine," added Dr. Gautam.

He added that those willing to import vaccines should publish their status showing their competency to bring the vaccines.

"As the private sectors also hold a responsibility to make the vaccines available in Nepal, they must show their concern in the process of importing the vaccine," said Dr. Gautam clarifying that Nepal would be able to import vaccines only from those companies approved by the COVAX team of the WHO.

Moreover, Mrigendra Mehar Shrestha, president of Nepal Chemist and Druggist Association, said that the government had not consulted or coordinated with the private entrepreneurs regarding the import of vaccines.

"The government alone cannot bring the vaccines without consulting with the private sectors. If the government coordinates with us, we will also consider in importing the vaccines as soon as possible," added Shrestha.

He clarified that the private sectors would take initiatives to bring the vaccines only after ascertaining whether the government can bring the vaccines on its own or not.

Meanwhile, human rights activist Hari Sharan Dahal, said, "As various countries have declared the efficiency of the vaccines against COVID-19 that they have produced and many have already started immunisation programme, the government and private sectors should not only depend on the COVAX facility of WHO."

Lack of effective coordination between the government and private sectors in considering other alternative measures along with COVAX facility might deprive the citizens of receiving vaccine on time, he added.

"After the vaccines against COVID-19 are ready, both, Government to Government (G2G) medium and efforts from private sectors will be vital to make the vaccines available in Nepal," said Dahal. "Vaccines might not be available in Nepal by depending upon only one medium. This might as well have a huge impact on health, employment, economy, business of the nation. Thus, the government and the private sectors should conduct necessary preparations on time."

Likewise, microbiologist Dr. Prakash Ghimire said, "If the government depends only upon COVAX, it will be difficult to bring vaccines even within six months."

"Private companies have developed vaccines in various countries. One needs to book the vaccines by paying in advance but Nepal has not taken any initiatives as such yet," said Dr. Ghimire.

He clarified that the vaccines produced by private companies of India, China, the UK, and America cannot be brought to Nepal only by sending a diplomatic note.

"It is important for the government to provide vaccines to be received from COVAX to poor citizens and provide paid immunisation facility for other citizens from the vaccines bought from private sectors," added Dr. Gyawali.

"As two billion vaccines will be needed to immunise one billion population of Nepal, the government and private sectors must use their channels and make efforts to bring 50 per cent each of the total vaccines needed as soon as possible," he added.