The government has approved the Oxford University-AstraZeneca coronavirus vaccine for emergency use to be imported from Serum Institute of India.

In this regard, Directorate General of Drug Administration (DGDA) granted no objection certificate to BEXIMCO Pharmaceuticals Ltd, local partner of Serum.

The government is likely to make half of the advance payment today (Tuesday) against three crore doses.

As per contract, the country will receive the first shipment a month after the approval and the payment. The government has to count $5 for each dose.

Meanwhile, Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla has said Bangladesh will get vaccine on priority basis.

Responding to the remarks made by the chief of Serum Institute of India (SII) regarding export ban, Shringla said Bangladesh has nothing to be worried.

“Bangladesh is always a priority country” for India and “when the vaccine is ready, it goes without saying that our closest neighbours and there will be no exception on this matter,” he said.