Antara, Jakarta – Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said he was open to the possibility of paid Covid-19 vaccination programs carried out by corporations. Discussions about the option, he added, were still afoot.

"But it's not final yet. It's still under discussion. We are open for discussion because our objective is to hold vaccinations as much, quickly, and cheap as possible," said Budi Gunadi in a working meeting with the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission IX in Jakarta, Thursday, Jan. 14.

He admitted he had spoken with other ministers about vaccination programs outside the one managed by the government. However, what must be underlined, he added, was to ensure there would not be a public narrative that only those who can pay will get the vaccine faster.

"Paid independent vaccination will likely be allowed after the mandatory vaccination for health workers and public workers have been given," Budi said.

The procurement of the Covid-19 vaccine, according to the minister, must also be done by private firms. "The important thing is that the vaccine is registered in WHO, approved by the BPOM (Food and Drugs Monitoring Agency), and the data must be integrated with the government data," said Budi Gunadi.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1423389/health-minister-talks-of-possible-paid-covid-19-vaccination-progra