The director general of the health department said, action will be taken if anyone from the department was involved in the sale of coronavirus vaccines in different places including the capital. He made the remarks after visiting the National Institute of Neuroscience and Hospital in the capital on Sunday (August 22nd) morning.
He said, the issue of vaccine theft is very sensitive. An investigation is underway into the sale of the vaccine. If anyone from the Department of Health is involved, action will be taken.
Police arrested Vijayakrishna Talukder (37), on August 18 on charges of illegally vaccinating a clinic called ‘Doridro Poribar Sheba’ in the Dakshin Khan area of the capital. At this time two ampoules of Moderna vaccine were available from the clinic. One of which was vaccine’s Isi. In addition, 22 empty boxes of Moderna vaccine are available. They have been confiscated.
An official of the health department, who did not want to be named, said, “We have only heard about the sale of vaccines to a clinic in the capital through media sources.” We do not know how many more clinics are stealing and selling vaccines. At the district level that number could be even higher.
Coronavirus vaccination is being provided free of cost in the country under government management. Bangladesh has received Moderna vaccine through COVAX. It is not yet clear how the vaccine went to Krishna Talukdar. However, the investigation officials are of the opinion that it is not possible to bring out the vaccine vials and sell them if the health people are not involved.
Additional Director General of the Department of Health, Professor Dr. Mirzadi Sebrina Flora on Sunday said, many people are not getting vaccinated even after registering. The Department of Health has instructed to increase the number of booths in the centers and to sub-center if necessary.
