GMOA objects to handing over Pfizer vaccination programme to Army

The Government Medical Officers Association (GMOA) has raised strong objections to a decision to hand over the Pfizer vaccination programme to the Army.

The GMOA has written to Health Minister Keheliya Rambukwella raising the objection saying there was no justification in handing over one vaccine to the army, Dr Naveen de Soysa told a press conference.

“If there is any justification in giving the vaccines to the Army during a health crisis , during the war time the weapons should have been given to the health officials,” he said.

The comments came as a number of complaints were made that there was no transparent system in giving the Pfizer vaccine  with no process for the public to register for the particular vaccine which is in high demand.

The demand for the vaccine has been high as a number of students who want to travel overseas are looking to get the particular vaccine.

Meanwhile a military spokesman said that the army was taking over the supervision of the Pfizer vaccine in view of some cases of unrest reported at vaccination centres.