ECC approves supplementary grant to purchase COVID-19 vaccines: sources

ISLAMABAD: The Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) has approved a technical supplementary grant for the advance purchases of COVID-19 vaccines, citing sources, ARY News reported on Friday.

The Advisor to Prime Minister on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh chaired a session of ECC today to discuss a six-point agenda including the allocation of funds for purchases of COVID-19 vaccines sought by the health ministry.

The ECC members deliberated upon the six-month extension of payment of interest on loans acquired from G20 countries and the matter related to gas supply to Engro Fertilizers. The committee’s members approved gas supplies to Enro Fertilizers.

Read: Health ministry seeks $150 million funds for COVID-19 vaccines

Moreover, the committee granted permission to Punjab province for importing 340,000 tonnes wheat through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP).

Sources told ARY News that the committee allocated funds for the payment of salaries of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) workers; a technical supplementary grant worth Rs500 million for education ministry; approval of Rs683.3 million budget for National Information Technology Board (NITB); a technical supplementary grant worth $150 million for the purchases of COVID-19 vaccines.

The federal cabinet will give the final approval to the decisions of the ECC.

Read: Pakistan decides advance purchases of COVID-19 vaccines: sources

The Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination sought $150 million funds from the federal government for advance booking of COVID-19 vaccines, it was learnt earlier in the day.

Sources told ARY News that the health ministry sent a summary to the Economic Coordination Committee (ECC) in which it sought allocation of $150 million funds for advance booking of COVID-19 vaccines.

It is pertinent to mention here that PM Imran Khan had approved specific funding for the advance purchase of the Covid-19 vaccine.