The plenary of the Chamber of Deputies approved this Tuesday (10) a Provisional Measure that releases R$ 6.412 billion to the Ministry of Health for the supply and purchase of vaccines against Covid-19.
Of the BRL 6.4 billion, BRL 3.6 billion will be sent to the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) to enable the production and supply of 120 million doses of vaccines, according to the federal government.
The remaining BRL 2.8 billion will be directed to the National Health Fund for the purchase of vaccine doses from private providers and other expenses necessary for immunization against Covid-19.
In a text in which it explains the reasons for the Provisional Measure, the Ministry of Economy said that the planning of vaccination against Covid-19 in 2022 provides for the availability of 339 million doses.
A portion of the demand can be met through purchases already made, but it is necessary to provide resources for 220 million doses in order to continue with vaccination in the country.
The matter now goes to the Senate for analysis. The rapporteur, deputy Soraya Manato (PTB-ES), recommended the approval of the Provisional Measure as sent by the Executive, without suggestions for changes.
The Provisional Measure was edited by President Jair Bolsonaro (PL) on December 24 of last year. MPs have the force of law from the moment they are published in the Official Gazette of the Union. However, they must be approved by the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate within 120 days so that they do not lose their validity.
Therefore, part of the value has already been committed. According to Manato, BRL 1.95 billion has been committed in 2021 and another BRL 2.92 billion has been earmarked this year so far. The balance of R$ 1.5 billion to be committed “is fully borne by Fiocruz for the production of immunobiologicals against Covid-19”, said the deputy.
The rapporteur stated that, based on information from the Ministry of Health, the amount cannot be fully committed until June 1, the date of the end of the Provisional Measure, because of purchase processes in progress.
Source: CNN Brasil
