Sec. Carlito Galvez assured that the Philippines will still receive 2019 Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) vaccine doses from India even if the latter is currently suffering from shortage of supply following a recent surge in infections.
Galvez, the chief implementer of the National Task Force Against COVID-19, confirmed on Sunday, May 2, that the private sector in the Philippines signed a supply agreement with Indian company Bharat Biotech.
"We are very happy that the private sector is taking the lead on this negotiations," Galvez said during DZRH's Huntahan.
"Sa public sector, patapos na kasi yung ating kontrata sa seven (vaccine) portfolio natin, doon naka-concentrate ang ating pondo," the vaccine czar added.
Galvez expects that the Philippines will receive COVID-19 vaccine supply from India by July or August.
The government official also dismissed worries that the COVID-19 situation in India will affect the arrival of COVID-19 vaccine doses in the Philippines.
"Maganda nga ang ginawa natin. Nagkaroon tayo ng portfolio. Pitong klaseng vaccine ang ating kinuha. Yung apat na vaccines galing sa Western countries iyon. Nakikita namin na wala naman delay sa delivery ng vaccine," Galvez assured.
Galvez predicts that the Philippines will have a 'steady and enough' supply of COVID-19 vaccine by June.
