Tufton Defends Priority Designation
March 11, 2021 | Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie |
Dr. The Honourable Christopher Tufton, Health & Wellness Minister in Jamaica is defending a decision to give priority group vaccines when they arrive. To such a group designated as “Priority”.
“There are individuals who can influence the process. It is appropriate that we do in the face of this risk ensure that we do what we can to preserve the arms of government.”
On the issue of the initial 50,000 doses of AstraZeneca vaccines scheduled to arrive in Jamaica on Thursday of this week as a gift from India. Public officials will get the first doses. The police, fire services, etc. Phase three will be seniors and possibly the general public. The process of injection is expected to take about an hour at the vaccine application centre.
Indemnity
“The government has signed the necessary documents as requested to indemnify the vaccine supply companies. Dr. Tufton asserted in response to a question asked about indemnity.”
“It was never envisaged that any groups or individual would be asked to sign such an indemnity.”
The Health Minister Tufton reaffirmed.
Utterance by a nurse spokesperson about indemnity is not supported by facts or the official position of the government.
We await the much anticipated gift of vaccine doses enroute to Jamaica from India. We need to ensure that as it arrives it gets distributed as smoothly and as quickly as possible. This precious commodity is priceless. Let us not allow lack of appreciation for the need to act wisely by not taking up this offer of vaccines immediately.
WHO
There are other vaccines on their way to Jamaica. For example there is the Johnson and Johnson type which requires only a single dose application. Then there are those expected through the COVAX system being supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). If these systems deliver, then our future as it relates to vaccine seems secured for Jamaica. Jamaica needs at least three million doses.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is a veteran journalist with a keen interest in health matter. He has an international exposure.
