Hospitals ordered vaccines before approval
Thai Prime Minister Gen Prayuth Chan-o-cha posted on Facebook that he will not authorise Covid-19 vaccinations if they aren’t proven safe by experts first, such as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The post came after multiple news reports of the vaccine’s ineffectiveness in other countries.
There have been no announcements regarding the delay of the government vaccination program confirmation. However, two private hospitals in Thailand ordered the vaccines, claiming that they simply “couldn’t wait for the government.”
“Thai people aren’t guinea pigs”
In his Facebook post, the PM mentioned reports of an unexpected side-effect of the Covid-19 vaccines from other countries. Gen. Prayuth also insisted he has to wait for experts’ reaffirmation that the vaccines are safe for inoculation before proceeding.
The PM also claimed that Thai people are not guinea pigs for vaccines trials
Screenshot: Facebook
While waiting for the vaccines, the PM also reminded everyone to wear masks, wash their hands and download the government location tracking application, Mor-Chana.
“We just cannot wait for the government”
Despite the Prime Minister’s concerns, the government’s plan to enrol vaccine inoculation this February seems to be moving on as planned. However, two private hospitals have since ordered millions of doses of Covid-19 vaccines ahead of the approval by the FDA.
The two hospitals, Thonburi Hospital Group and Vibhavadi Hospital Group, claimed that they needed the vaccines for their staff. They also shared concerns that government vaccines could take longer to be distributed to the public as they are prioritised for high-risk authorities and patients.
Dr. Boon Vanasin, the chairman of Thonburi Healthcare Group
Image credit: Thailand Tip
“We ordered one million doses of the Sinovac vaccine with an option to buy nine million more,” said Dr. Boon Vanasin, the Chairman of Thonburi Healthcare Group Plc. He further explained that half of the vaccines ordered would be provided to the hospital employees after receiving the FDA’s approval.
Another private hospital, Vibhavadi Hospital, has ordered 10,000 doses of the Moderna vaccine.
According to the Bangkok Post, Thonburi hospital plans to offer two Sinovac injections for ฿3,200.
Read more about Thailand Covid-19 vaccination here:
- New Vaccines In Thailand Expected This Week, AstraZeneca Shots In Final Approval Stages With FDA
- Thai Covid-19 Vaccination Program To Start Next Month
- Hospitals In Thailand That Offer COVID-19 Tests In Order Of Location & Price
- Thailand Offers Free Covid-19 Testing And Treatment For High-Risk Individuals
- Thailand Orders Sinovac Biotech Vaccines From China, To Receive in February 2021
Featured image adapted from: Bangkok Post
Enjoying The Smart Local Thailand? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more stories like this.