Government chief underscores vaccine supply priority for HCM City

The Government will make supplying Ho Chi Minh City with COVID-19 vaccines a priority amid a sharp increase in infection cases in the southern city, with moves to give it 25% of the total vaccine doses received, according to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.



Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and municipal leaders inspect field hospital No.3 in the city


During a recent working session held alongside municipal officials, the cabinet leader said at least two million doses will be provided for the southern metropolis between now and the end of July.

He requested that Ho Chi Minh City conduct vaccination efforts effectively and in a timely manner, noting that they must stay calm, persistent, and resolute, while also taking suitable and effective measures.

PM Chinh said the enforcement of social distancing measures throughout the city under the PM’s Directive 16/CT-TTg is a difficult move, although it is the right and necessary decision which has gained support from central agencies, local people, experts, and scientists.

The implementation of Directive 16 has therefore affected the lives of local residents, along with economic activities, as well as neighbouring provinces and the entire country, he said. The PM went on to express hope that people will sympathise with the southern city’s challenges and those facing the Government.

The PM requested that Ho Chi Minh City remain determined and take more drastic actions to impose Directive 16, whilst prioritising resources to combat the pandemic in order to get life back to normal as soon as possible.

He went on to say that the city must put people’s lives and property above all other factors, guarantee a sufficient supply of essential goods for locals, minimise fatalities, and ensure equal access to COVID-19 vaccine for all residents.

Simultaneously, Ho Chi Minh City should support all those who lost their jobs and the homeless, whilst ensuring that no pandemic-hit people are left without help, along with promoting production and business activities.

PM Chinh said the entire nation is ready to united with Ho Chi Minh City with pandemic-containment efforts, adding that the city should optimise the assistance from ministries, sectors, and people to overcome the current difficult situation.