ISLAMABAD: The federal cabinet has reportedly approved to allow private companies to import coronavirus vaccines.

The Ministry of Health had sought the permission during a meeting of the cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, Reuters reported.

PM’s Assistant on Health Dr Faisal Sultan confirmed that the private sector would be allowed to import the vaccine and in absence of a reference price, the prices would not be fixed.

Pakistan has started vaccinating its healthcare workers after China donated 500,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine.

The PM’s assistant said that Pakistan still planned to vaccinate people for free, however a minor section of the citizens wanted to buy it, so they would be facilitated in this regard.

Earlier this week, China had gifted Pakistan Army vaccines against COVID-19.

According to Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Pakistan Air Force’s plane Ilyushin IL-78 had transported the vaccines from the neighbour country.