Budget Bureau asked to consider Covid-19 vaccine project involving Oxford University, UK pharmaceutical firms
The Public Health Ministry has asked the Budget Bureau to consider a Bt600-million project on production of Covid-19 vaccines with Oxford University and pharmaceutical companies in England, Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed today (August 25).
On August 17, Anutin announced the Bt600-million budget though Thailand is spending Bt3 billion on vaccine research and production.
“The next step is for the bureau to consider from which budget the project will be financed,” he said.
“If they decide it is part of the Bt400-billion economic rehabilitation budget, the project will be sent to the Office of the National Economics and Social Development Council. However, if the project is to be financed using the central budget, it will be sent for Cabinet approval at the next meeting,” Anutin said.
“The public health permanent secretary has already signed a letter expressing interest in joining the partnership with Oxford, but I have yet to receive an update on the reply,” the minister said.
Anutin added that the Cabinet meeting scheduled in Rayong today will also consider the appointment of a new permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry, which is under his supervision as deputy prime minister.
